Circulating tumor DNA in lymphomas: Era of precision medicine

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are heterogeneous lymphoid malignancies, usually with an excellent prognosis. Aggressive B-cell lymphomas, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, are treated with a curative intent with first-line therapy achieving a cure rate in about 70% of patients. Indolent lymphomas, such as follicular lymphoma (FL), are considered less curable, with the goal of treatment directed toward inducting deep remissions. With treatment strategies evolving more toward precision medicine, there is a need for better diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers. Circulating tumor DNA (ct-DNA) shed into the blood by tumor cells can be used as a marker for identification of tumor, assessment of tumor response, and to predict long-term outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of these techniques as a prognostic tool. We review the clinical data supporting the role of ct-DNA in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.