Integrated longitudinal analysis of ctDNA, radiologic response, and tumor volume reveals spatial and temporal heterogeneity in advanced melanoma.
Measuring tumor DNA in blood captures cancer spread patterns that standard imaging misses, improving monitoring of treatment response.
This longitudinal study demonstrates that ctDNA kinetics and radiologic response in advanced melanoma are frequently discordant, with ctDNA capturing spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity undetectable by conventional imaging. The findings support integrated ctDNA-radiologic monitoring approaches as a more complete picture of treatment response and resistance development.
What the study was
- Study design
- Longitudinal observational cohort study
- Population
- Adults with advanced melanoma receiving systemic therapy
- Category
- Early Detection
- Maturity
- Exploratory
- Journal
- Journal of Translational Medicine
Why it surfaced
Longitudinal ctDNA + imaging integration in advanced melanoma; highlights discordance reflecting tumor heterogeneity; supports ctDNA as complementary monitoring tool beyond imaging; relevant to liquid biopsy watchlist topic.
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