Info
ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA)
Diagnosis
What it means
Fragments of DNA released by cancer cells directly into the bloodstream. Analyzing them (through a liquid biopsy) can detect tumor mutations, monitor the response to treatment and identify a recurrence early.
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Liquid biopsy
- A blood test that detects circulating tumor DNA or cancer cells. It is less invasive than a standard biopsy and can be repeated for monitoring.
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
- A tumor marker useful especially for liver cancer and certain testicular or ovarian tumors. It is measured in the blood for diagnosis, monitoring treatment and detecting a recurrence.
- ALK-positive
- A gene rearrangement found in a subset of lung cancers, more common in non-smoking or younger patients. ALK-positive tumors often respond very well to specific targeted therapies, different from standard chemotherapy.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.