Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a subset of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), originates from primary tumors and metastatic lesions in cancer patients, often carrying genomic variations identical to those of the primary tumor. ctDNA analysis via liquid biopsy has proven to be a valuable biomarker for early canc...

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Main Authors: Ziman Wu, Haiyan Yang, Xinying Li, Xiang Ji, Chan Mo, Zhou Zheng, Yafei Xu, Dan Xiong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Oncology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1520733/full
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author Ziman Wu
Ziman Wu
Haiyan Yang
Haiyan Yang
Xinying Li
Xiang Ji
Chan Mo
Zhou Zheng
Yafei Xu
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
author_facet Ziman Wu
Ziman Wu
Haiyan Yang
Haiyan Yang
Xinying Li
Xiang Ji
Chan Mo
Zhou Zheng
Yafei Xu
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
author_sort Ziman Wu
collection DOAJ
description Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a subset of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), originates from primary tumors and metastatic lesions in cancer patients, often carrying genomic variations identical to those of the primary tumor. ctDNA analysis via liquid biopsy has proven to be a valuable biomarker for early cancer detection, minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, monitoring tumor recurrence, and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, despite advancements in ctDNA analysis technologies, standardized protocols for its extraction and detection have yet to be established. Each step of the process—from pre-analytical variables to detection techniques—significantly impacts the accuracy and reliability of ctDNA analysis. This review examines recent developments in ctDNA detection methods, focusing on pre-analytical factors such as specimen types, collection tubes, centrifugation protocols, and storage conditions, alongside high-throughput and ultra-sensitive detection technologies. It also briefly discusses the clinical potential of liquid biopsy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Oncology
spelling doaj-art-ff6f72948b0a443e88fb8e445166b0b22025-08-20T03:49:42ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Oncology2234-943X2025-05-011510.3389/fonc.2025.15207331520733Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinomaZiman Wu0Ziman Wu1Haiyan Yang2Haiyan Yang3Xinying Li4Xiang Ji5Chan Mo6Zhou Zheng7Yafei Xu8Dan Xiong9Dan Xiong10Dan Xiong11School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaShantou University Medical College, Shantou, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaDepartment of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, ChinaMedical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, ChinaShantou University Medical College, Shantou, ChinaCirculating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a subset of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), originates from primary tumors and metastatic lesions in cancer patients, often carrying genomic variations identical to those of the primary tumor. ctDNA analysis via liquid biopsy has proven to be a valuable biomarker for early cancer detection, minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, monitoring tumor recurrence, and evaluating treatment efficacy. However, despite advancements in ctDNA analysis technologies, standardized protocols for its extraction and detection have yet to be established. Each step of the process—from pre-analytical variables to detection techniques—significantly impacts the accuracy and reliability of ctDNA analysis. This review examines recent developments in ctDNA detection methods, focusing on pre-analytical factors such as specimen types, collection tubes, centrifugation protocols, and storage conditions, alongside high-throughput and ultra-sensitive detection technologies. It also briefly discusses the clinical potential of liquid biopsy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1520733/fullCtDNApre-analyticaldetected methodsbiomarkernasopharyngeal carcinoma
spellingShingle Ziman Wu
Ziman Wu
Haiyan Yang
Haiyan Yang
Xinying Li
Xiang Ji
Chan Mo
Zhou Zheng
Yafei Xu
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
Dan Xiong
Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Frontiers in Oncology
CtDNA
pre-analytical
detected methods
biomarker
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_full Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_fullStr Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_full_unstemmed Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_short Circulating tumor DNA laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
title_sort circulating tumor dna laboratory processes and clinical applications in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
topic CtDNA
pre-analytical
detected methods
biomarker
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1520733/full
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