Dr. Hubbard on MRD Assessment to Inform Treatment Decisions in Resected Metastatic CRC

Joleen M. Hubbard, MD, associate professor, oncology, consultant, practice chair, vice chair, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, discusses minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment to inform treatment decisions in patients with resected metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). 

The use of MRD testing after resection of metastases in this patient population is a concept of interest, according to Hubbard. Although perioperative chemotherapy has demonstrated a disease-free survival benefit for those with resectable liver metastases, it did not show an overall survival benefit. This may be due to overtreating or undertreating patients, or because some clinical trials were not powered to address survival, Hubbard explains.

MRD positivity with ctDNA in patients with resected metastatic disease is associated with an increased risk for recurrence, which further justifies the utilization of chemotherapy in that setting, Hubbard concludes.