Circulating tumor DNA and liquid biopsy in oncology

Techniques for analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to detect, characterize and monitor cancer have matured rapidly. An increasing body of clinical evidence is demonstrating the capabilities of this technology as a diagnostic test. The full potential of ctDNA liquid biopsy in the diagnosis, characterization and management of solid and hematological malignancies will be uncovered through interventional clinical trials evaluating clinical utility. In this Review, we discuss the current landscape of ctDNA liquid-biopsy applications across the cancer continuum and highlight opportunities for clinical investigation. Evaluation of circulating tumor DNA in blood has emerged as a powerful technology for oncology research. Lillian Siu and colleagues review the potential applications of liquid biopsy, highlighting clinical-trial designs to establish its clinical utility.