Shibichakravarthy Kannan, Scientific Director at Episteme Genomics, Founder and CEO at Oncophenomics, shared a post on LinkedIn:
”ASCO 2026 may be remembered as a pivotal moment in the maturation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from a promising biomarker to a clinically actionable tool.
The new ASCO guidance draws an important distinction between where ctDNA is ready for routine practice and where it remains investigational. Across solid tumors, ctDNA has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity for detecting molecular residual disease (MRD), recurrence risk, and treatment response, enabling a more personalized approach to cancer care.
However, the guideline also emphasizes that positive ctDNA findings should not automatically trigger treatment escalation outside established evidence-based settings. The message from ASCO 2026 is clear: ctDNA is transforming oncology, but clinical utility – not technological capability – must remain the standard for adoption.
As assay performance, prospective validation, and AI-driven interpretation continue to improve, ctDNA is positioned to become a cornerstone of precision oncology over the coming decade.”
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