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PART 1Executive Overview
1Definition

ctDNA Liquid Biopsy is a molecular diagnostic technique that involves the detection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) present in a patient's blood plasma. This method allows for non-invasive monitoring of cancer by identifying fragments of DNA released from tumor cells into the bloodstream.

Category
Molecular Diagnostics
Best use
Cancer screening
Stage
NOW
2Problem It Solves

It addresses the need for non-invasive methods to monitor cancer progression, treatment response, and early detection of relapse or recurrence without the need for invasive biopsies. This technique also provides a way to track minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients undergoing cancer therapy.

3Lifecycle / Journey Stage
early commercial
PART 2Technical & Manufacturing
4How It Works

High-depth Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used to sequence the ctDNA, enabling the identification of somatic mutations that are characteristic of the tumor. By comparing the sequence data with a reference genome, researchers can detect and quantify these mutations, which provide valuable information about the presence and characteristics of the cancer.

5Materials Used
6Manufacturing / Creation Process

The manufacturing process involves sample collection from blood plasma, followed by extraction and purification of ctDNA. The purified DNA is then subjected to high-depth NGS sequencing using specialized equipment and bioinformatics tools for data analysis.

7Build Process

The build process includes the development of efficient protocols for ctDNA extraction and purification, as well as the optimization of NGS workflows to ensure accurate and reproducible results. Validation studies are conducted to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the method.

PART 3Market & Industry
9Companies Involved
GRAILGuardant Health

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10Estimated Costs

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11Case Studies

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PART 4Academic References
12Scientific Papers / White Papers

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13Patents

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14Glossary
circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
Fragments of DNA released from tumor cells into the bloodstream, used in liquid biopsies for non-invasive cancer monitoring.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
A high-throughput sequencing technology that allows for rapid and accurate determination of DNA sequences, essential for ctDNA analysis.
15References

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Related Technologies

Source: curated technology intelligence stream with tracked references.