Circulating tumor DNA analysis:from discovery to clinical practice

Abstract

Circulating tumor DNA analysis is the focused issue in clinical research. A few of biomarkers have been used in clinical practice, while some are in the discovery phase. The key challenges for clinical laboratories on the way from discovery to clinical practice of the circulating tumor DNA analysis, including choosing the intended use based on evidence for clinical validity and utility, quality assurance for the testing process, reporting and interpretation for the results will be discussed. Key words: Circulating tumor DNA; Clinical laboratory techniques; Biomarkers