ctDNA-based MRD testing and monitoring in gynecologic cancers
Molecular residual disease (MRD) tracking via tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is redefining the surveillance and management paradigm in gynecologic oncology. This session delivers a data-driven evaluation of the evolving role of ctDNA in identifying subclinical recurrence and quantifying real-time treatment response across ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers—frequently months ahead of traditional biomarkers and diagnostic imaging.
Participants will examine the mechanistic basis of whole-genome and exome-based personalized assay designs, alongside the latest clinical datasets validating their prognostic utility. Through interactive, case-based reviews, faculty will demonstrate how longitudinal ctDNA tracking helps clarify complex clinical scenarios, such as predicting first-line maintenance benefit, identifying platinum sensitivity, and ruling out pseudoprogression during immunotherapy. The presentation will also address critical barriers to integration, including analytical limits of detection, Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) filtering, and guideline implementation.
To ensure a balanced perspective, this course contrasts ctDNA dynamics with traditional modalities, including CA-125 kinetics, investigative imaging cadence, and histopathological risk factors. Attendees will leave equipped to critically interpret molecular testing results and seamlessly integrate personalized genomic data into a multidisciplinary care framework.
