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Blood Test May Help Detect Hidden Cancer in Colorectal Patients

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Blood Test May Help Detect Hidden Cancer in Colorectal Patients

Colorectal cancer often comes back even after surgery and chemotherapy. Detecting small amounts of cancer left in the body, known as minimal residual disease (MRD), is key to preventing relapse. A new study looked at how well a blood test called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) works for this purpose.

ctDNA testing searches for tiny fragments of tumor DNA in the bloodstream. Researchers reviewed many clinical trials to see when ctDNA testing is most useful in colorectal cancer patients.

The study found that patients with positive ctDNA—whether tested before or after surgery—were much more likely to see their cancer return. The risk was five to eight times higher compared to patients without ctDNA in their blood.

Among different testing times, checking ctDNA after chemotherapy (adjuvant therapy) gave the clearest signal of who was still at high risk. This means that even if scans look clear, ctDNA may reveal cancer cells hiding in the body.

Doctors may soon use ctDNA to decide who needs more treatment and who can safely avoid extra therapy. This approach could make treatment more personal—reducing unnecessary side effects while making sure high-risk patients get the care they need.

For patients with colorectal cancer, ctDNA testing is not yet standard everywhere, but ongoing research shows it may become an important tool in guiding treatment and improving survival.

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Dr. Harsh J Shah

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
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