The Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Annals of Surgery 2026 Open access

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Authors: Filipe C. Borges, Mafalda S. Pinto, Miguel F. Borges, Ana Alagoa João, Elsa Francisco, Marta Sousa, Marisa Aral, Vera Oliveira, José Filipe Cunha, Arianeb Mehrabi, Christoph Berchtold, Gil Gonçalves
+2 more Peter Bailey, Markus W. Büchler
DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000007036
Cited by: 4

Abstract

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PDAC is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe. Surgery is the only possible cure; however, recurrence is common. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in pre- and post-surgery liquid biopsies as a prognostic biomarker for recurrence and survival in patients with PDAC. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies identified in Medline (via PubMed) and Web of Science. The primary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: 18 studies (965 patients) were included in the analysis. The presence of preoperative ctDNA was significantly associated with lower DFS (HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.63-2.65; P

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research Cancer Cells and Metastasis

Publication details

Journal / source
Annals of Surgery
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN