Been reading a lot about the increasing use of ctDNA tests (liquid biopsies like Signatera, Guardant Reveal) for detecting Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) after curative-intent treatment for Stage 2/3 CRC, or for surveillance. The potential for earlier recurrence detection than scans seems huge, but I also imagine it adds significant anxiety. For those whose oncologists are using it, or who’ve looked into it: What are your thoughts? Experiences? Is it becoming standard?
Asked my community oncologist about it. His take was: promising tech, especially for higher-risk Stage 2/3, but not quite ready for ‘standard of care’ for everyone in surveillance yet, partly due to evolving protocols on how to act on results and inconsistent insurance coverage. Said coverage is getting better but can still be a fight depending on specifics.