The Role of utDNA in Non-Invasive Cancer Monitoring: Efficacy and Potential for Detecting Minimal Residual Disease

Results showed that the tumor fraction in utDNA reliably detected MRD, with tumor-specific genomic alterations consistently identified. There was a high degree of concordance between genomic alterations in utDNA and tissue biopsies, indicating the reliability of utDNA for monitoring tumor genomics.

Both tumor fraction and CNB scores were effective in detecting MRD. Tumor fraction provided a direct measure of tumor-derived DNA, while CNB scores enhanced MRD detection accuracy. The study underscores utDNA's potential as a non-invasive cancer monitoring tool, offering significant clinical relevance for early intervention and personalized treatment.

In conclusion, tumor fraction and CNB in utDNA are promising biomarkers for MRD detection and monitoring. The importance of utDNA lies in its non-invasive, accessible, and cost-effective nature. Unlike traditional biopsies, urine samples can be collected frequently with minimal discomfort, facilitating real-time tumor monitoring and timely treatment adjustments. The non-invasive nature and high accuracy of utDNA analysis highlight its potential in clinical practice. Further research is needed to establish standardized protocols and integrate this method into routine oncology care.

Reference:

1. Joshua Linscott et al., Tumor fraction and copy number burden from urinary cell-free tumor DNA (utDNA) to predict minimal residual disease prior to repeat-transurethral resection in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC). JCO 42, 4600-4600(2024).

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