Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Minimal Residual Disease for Recurrence-Free Survival in Resectable Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Serial Monitoring Analysis
Blood tests detecting cancer cells after stomach surgery identify patients at high risk of recurrence, enabling earlier intervention when treatment may be most effective.
This meta-analysis of 8 studies (n=520) demonstrates that postoperative ctDNA-based MRD detection is a powerful prognostic biomarker in resectable gastric cancer, with ctDNA-positive patients facing 12-fold worse recurrence-free survival hazard, supporting integration into post-surgical surveillance and treatment escalation decisions. Serial ctDNA monitoring showed stronger prognostic performance than single time-point assessment.
What the study was
- Study design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis (8 studies)
- Population
- Resectable gastric cancer (stage I-III, postoperative curative intent)
- Sample size
- 520
- Category
- Early Detection
- Maturity
- Validated
- Journal
- Dig Dis Sci
Why it surfaced
Strong meta-analytic evidence (n=520, 8 studies) for ctDNA MRD in a high-burden cancer. HR 12.26 for RFS is exceptionally high. Gastric cancer has limited biomarker-guided surveillance options currently. Note: wide CI on pooled HR reflects inter-study heterogeneity — interpret with appropriate caution.
A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.