Optimizing ctDNA: An Updated Review of a Promising Clinical Tool for the Management of Uveal Melanoma

Abstract

Simple Summary Liquid biopsy based on the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a well-consolidated tool to guide treatment decision-making and monitor patients with cancers other than uveal melanoma. The aim of this study was to explore the current technical possibilities of liquid biopsy to detect ctDNA in patients with uveal melanoma, with a particular focus on the clinical setting, to provide an overview of the current use of this technique.Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Distant metastasis is common, affecting around 50% of patients. Prognostic accuracy relies on molecular characterization of tumor tissue. In these patients, however, conventional biopsy can be challenging due to the difficulty of obtaining sufficient tissue for the analysis due to the small tumor size and/or post-brachytherapy shrinkage. An alternative approach is liquid biopsy, a non-invasive technique that allows for real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics. Liquid biopsy plays an increasingly prominent role in precision medicine, providing valuable information on the molecular profile of the tumor and treatment response. Liquid biopsy can facilitate early detection and can be used to monitor progression and recurrence. ctDNA-based tests are particularly promising due to their ease of integration into clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the application of ctDNA in liquid biopsies for UM. More specifically, we explore the emerging technologies in this field and the advantages and disadvantages of using different bodily fluids for liquid biopsy. Finally, we discuss the current barriers to routine clinical use of this technique.