Published online Jul 28, 2017. doi: 10.5320/wjr.v7.i2.35
Peer-review started: May 3, 2017
First decision: May 23, 2017
Revised: June 5, 2017
Accepted: June 30, 2017
Article in press: July 1, 2017
Published online: July 28, 2017
Processing time: 81 Days and 0.3 Hours
Since 1948, circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) was first identified in human blood. ctDNA is in fact DNA shed by tumour cells from all metastatic tumour locations throughout the whole body, and is thrown into the bloodstream and can then be isolated by a standard blood draw. Using this technique scientists can obtain a wide view of tumour heterogeneity, identify different mechanisms of drug resistance, what is its predominance and the clinical rational of precision cancer medicine become a part of our daily practice. Secondly, early detection of cancer may also contribute to global decrease in cancer mortality.
Core tip: With the increase development of molecular medicine we may further change our clinical rational to a precise cancer medicine rational way. Consequently, we may improve the quality of life of our patients, with less toxicity, more cost-effectiveness decisions and above all improve response rate and survival. Defining the complete genomic “picture” of all cancerous lesions, in the near future as a standard of care, will require all genetic information concerning each individual cancer.