Tumor-informed liquid biopsy for monitoring thyroid cancer: a proof-of-concept study
Authors' conclusion
This cross-sectional analysis demonstrated that liquid biopsy accurately reflected disease activity and showed strong concordance with primary tumor alterations. These findings support its feasibility and clinical potential as an adjunct to conventional monitoring, particularly when Tg measurement or tumor tissue availability is limited. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to validate its role in personalized postoperative surveillance of thyroid cancer.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with thyroid cancer whose primary tumors had been molecularly profiled for key driver mutations and gene fusions; plasma collected 2021–2023
- Participants
- 34 patients
- Exposure
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)/ctRNA detection across 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) treatment response categories
- Biochemical incomplete responsen = 3
- Outcome
- Plasma ctDNA/ctRNA detection by ATA response category
Methodological detailsproof-of-concept, tumor-informed, digital PCR
- Proof-of-concept
- Tumor-informed
- Digital PCR
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
| Group | Value | Undetectable ctDNA/ctRNA | Negative for ctDNA/ctRNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent response | 91% | 91% | |
| Biochemical incomplete response | 2 events | two of three |
Value
Excellent response91%
Biochemical incomplete response2 events
Undetectable ctDNA/ctRNA
Excellent response91%
Biochemical incomplete response— not stated in the abstract
Negative for ctDNA/ctRNA
Excellent response— not stated in the abstract
Biochemical incomplete responsetwo of three
- Excellent response: undetectable ctDNA/ctRNA, consistent with remission
- 91%
- Indeterminate response: one patient with undetectable Tg had an ETV6::NTRK3 fusion in cfRNA
- 1 patient
- Biochemical incomplete response: negative for ctDNA/ctRNA
- 2 of 3
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Tumor-informed liquid biopsy for monitoring thyroid cancer: a proof-of-concept study. Eur Thyroid J. Published 18 December 2025. doi:10.
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