Dr. Basu-Mallick on the Importance of Clinical Research Examining ctDNA in CRC

Atrayee Basu-Mallick, MD, a medical oncologist at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center and clinical assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the importance of clinical research examining the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

In early-stage CRC, years have passed without significant development in this area, according to Basu-Mallick. It is important to encourage patient enrollment on studies that are examining the role of ctDNA in this patient population, such as the phase 2/3 NRG-GI005 (NCT04068103) and the phase 3 NRG-GI008 trial (NCT04120701), says Basu-Mallick.

Currently, the use of ctDNA in a predictive manner is not ready for prime time, Basu-Mallick explains. Having more patients enroll to these clinical trials could shed light on how important ctDNA data can be converted into a prognostic marker, Basu-Mallick concludes.