Cerebrospinal fluid: A unique source of circulating tumor DNA with broad clinical applications Journal Article


Authors: Hickman, R. A.; Miller, A. M.; Arcila, M. E.
Article Title: Cerebrospinal fluid: A unique source of circulating tumor DNA with broad clinical applications
Abstract: Malignancies involving the central nervous system present unique challenges for diagnosis and monitoring due to the difficulties and risks of direct biopsies and the low specificity and/or sensitivity of other techniques for assessment. In recent years, liquid biopsy of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has emerged as a convenient alternative that combines minimal invasiveness with the ability to detect disease-defining or therapeutically actionable genetic alterations from circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Since CSF can be obtained by lumbar puncture, or an established ventricular access device at multiple time points, ctDNA analysis enables initial molecular characterization and longitudinal monitoring throughout a patient's disease course, promoting optimization of treatment regimens. This review outlines some of the key aspects of ctDNA from CSF as a highly suitable approach for clinical assessment, the benefits and drawbacks, testing methods, as well as potential future advancements in this field. We anticipate wider adoption of this practice as technologies and pipelines improve and envisage significant improvements for cancer care. © 2023
Journal Title: Translational Oncology
Volume: 33
ISSN: 1936-5233
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2023-07-01
Start Page: 101688
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101688
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10205485
PUBMED: 37196447
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) acknowledged in PDF -- MSK corresponding author is Maria Arcila -- Export Date: 1 June 2023 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Maria Eugenia Arcila
    666 Arcila
  2. Alexandra Miller
    74 Miller
  3. Richard Andrew Hickman
    22 Hickman