ctDNA-based MRD Testing and Monitoring in Gynecologic Cancers

Course Description

Molecular residual disease (MRD) tracking via tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is redefining the surveillance and management paradigm in gynecologic oncology. This session delivers a data-driven evaluation of the evolving role of ctDNA in identifying subclinical recurrence and quantifying real-time treatment response across ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers—frequently months ahead of traditional biomarkers and diagnostic imaging.

Participants will examine the mechanistic basis of whole-genome and exome-based personalized assay designs, alongside the latest clinical datasets validating their prognostic utility. Through interactive, case-based reviews, faculty will demonstrate how longitudinal ctDNA tracking helps clarify complex clinical scenarios, such as predicting first-line maintenance benefit, identifying platinum sensitivity, and ruling out pseudoprogression during immunotherapy. The presentation will also address critical barriers to integration, including analytical limits of detection, Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) filtering, and guideline implementation.

To ensure a balanced perspective, this course contrasts ctDNA dynamics with traditional modalities, including CA-125 kinetics, investigative imaging cadence, and histopathological risk factors. Attendees will leave equipped to critically interpret molecular testing results and seamlessly integrate personalized genomic data into a multidisciplinary care framework.

Target Audience

Gynecologic and medical oncologists, oncology researchers, clinical trial investigators, advanced practice providers, and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with ovarian cancer.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the biological principles and analytical performance of tumor-informed ctDNA testing for molecular residual disease (MRD) in gynecologic malignancies.
• Compare the sensitivity, specificity, and lead times of longitudinal ctDNA monitoring against current standards of care, including CA-125 and conventional imaging.
• Evaluate the clinical evidence for using ctDNA to risk-stratify patients, predict platinum resistance, and optimize the timing of maintenance therapies or immune checkpoint inhibition across ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
• Appraise the current limitations, regulatory status, and practical workflow considerations for integrating serial ctDNA testing into multidisciplinary clinical practice.