Tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA detection for personalized monitoring of treatment response in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a valuable biomarker in liquid biopsies for monitoring treatment responses in cancer patients. However, detecting ctDNA in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is challenging due to its high heterogeneity and the absence of hotspot driver mutations. Therefore, a personalized approach to ctDNA analysis is essential, tailored to the specific tumor mutations of each EOC patient. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method targeting various genetic alterations in ctDNA identified through a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel in EOC tumors. Methods: EOC tumor tissues were sequenced using a targeted NGS panel to identify oncogenic mutations. ddPCR assays were subsequently designed and optimized to detect these tumor-specific mutations in ctDNA. ctDNA levels were monitored and compared with CA-125 for EOC. Results: Fourteen pathogenic mutations, including Conclusion: This study demonstrates the clinical utility of ddPCR for monitoring treatment responses in EOC by targeting patient-specific mutations. Integrating ddPCR with NGS-based mutation identification offers an effective approach for assessing therapeutic outcomes in EOC patients.