title: Cell-free DNA as a novel marker in cancer therapy.
abstract: Advances in next-generation sequencing have provided new insights and new therapeutic options for patients with cancer. However, assessment of genomic aberrations, which is required for precision medicine, has been challenging because of the difficulties in capturing intratumoral heterogeneity and in real-time assessment of tumors. Recent advances in technology have enabled detection and analysis of cell-free DNA in cancer patients, which provides real-time assessment of tumor evolution. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of the clinical utility of cell-free DNA and the future directions for its use in cancer management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, FC8.2018, Box 0455, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Shumei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.affiliation: Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, FC8.2018, Box 0455, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Janku
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D059014:High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D057285:Precision Medicine; D011379:Prognosis; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
keywords: cancer; cell-free DNA; liquid biopsy; personalized medicine