A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and prognosis in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options. Several strategies are being investigated to improve disease management, including the early diagnosis of recurrences and treatment tailoring by better prognosis estimation. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could be a promising tool in this regard, although the data is limited. Therefore, we conducted a systemical review and meta-analysis of the published studies on the association of ctDNA and survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer. In the pooled analysis, positive preoperative or postoperative ctDNA was associated with lower RFS/PFS (HR: 2.27, 95 % CI: 1.59-3.24, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 2.04, 95 % CI: 1.29-3.21, p = 0.002) in localized pancreatic cancer. Similarly, positive baseline ctDNA was associated with lower RFS/PFS (HR: 2.61, 95 % CI: 1.94-3.51, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 2.41, 95 % CI: 1.74-3.34, p < 0.001) in advanced pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, ctDNA could be a promising tool to individualize treatment planning and to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer.