Quote Request
ctDNAs Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer
At Alfa Cytology, we excel in preclinical research, specializing in innovative diagnostic solutions for pancreatic cancer. Our focus includes leveraging circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a powerful biomarker. We provide comprehensive services to support the development and validation of ctDNA-based diagnostic assays, aiding researchers and pharmaceutical companies in their efforts to advance cancer diagnostics.
Overview of ctDNA
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a subset of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in the bloodstream, primarily released from tumor cells. Unlike cfDNA, which is derived from apoptotic, necrotic, and actively secreted fragments from both healthy and diseased tissues, ctDNA specifically originates from tumor cells. ctDNA fragments are typically 160-200 base pairs in length and constitute a small fraction of cfDNA, usually less than 0.01%.
Fig.1 Common samples, biomarkers, and clinical applications in liquid biopsy for pancreatic cancer. (Wang K, et al., 2024)
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% due to late-stage diagnosis and rapid progression. Early detection of PC is crucial to improving treatment outcomes, but traditional diagnostic methods like imaging and tissue biopsies often fail to detect the disease in its early stages. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a component of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released by dying tumor cells into the bloodstream, has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker for the early detection and monitoring of PC.
ctDNA carries genetic alterations specific to tumor cells, such as mutations, methylation patterns, and structural variations. In contrast to cfDNA, which can be derived from both healthy and diseased cells, ctDNA specifically reflects the tumor's genetic landscape. This allows ctDNA to act as a real-time "liquid biopsy," offering insights into tumor evolution, treatment response, and minimal residual disease.
Key Characteristics of ctDNA
- Short Half-Life: ctDNA has a half-life of approximately 15 minutes to 2.5 hours, making it a real-time biomarker for tumor dynamics. This contrasts with traditional blood biomarkers, which may take weeks to reflect changes in tumor status.
- Genomic Information: ctDNA carries vital genomic information, including mutations, gene expression levels, DNA methylation status, and microsatellite instability. This information is crucial for assessing tumor presence, monitoring treatment response, and evaluating prognosis.
- Detection Techniques: The detection of ctDNA involves several advanced techniques, including:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Traditional PCR methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR), are used to amplify and detect specific genetic mutations.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
NGS provides a comprehensive view of genetic alterations, including unknown mutations, structural variations, and copy number changes.
Methylation Analysis
Techniques like whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS-seq) are used to detect DNA methylation patterns, which are indicative of tumor initiation and progression.
Our Services
Alfa Cytology provides a range of preclinical services focused on ctDNA as a diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer:
ctDNA Isolation and Preparation: We isolate ctDNA from plasma samples using advanced techniques to ensure the high purity and integrity of the biomarker.
Library Construction: Construct libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze ctDNA for various genetic alterations. This step involves preparing samples for comprehensive sequencing and ensuring quality control.
Data Analysis: Employ sophisticated bioinformatics tools to analyze sequencing data, identify mutations, and interpret the results. This includes detecting genetic mutations, gene expression changes, and DNA methylation patterns.
Data Alignment: Align sequencing data to reference genomes to identify and quantify ctDNA biomarkers accurately. This step is crucial for validating the presence and significance of specific genetic alterations.
Why Choose Us?
Scientific Experience
Professional team of scientists and more than ten years of experience in pancreatic cancer
Customized Service
Tailored services dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction
Data Security
Strictly keep confidential the client's project information and experimental data
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Alfa Cytology is dedicated to advancing ctDNA-based diagnostics for pancreatic cancer through innovative techniques and expert analysis. Our commitment to high-quality, actionable data supports your research and development needs. Contact us today to explore how our ctDNA diagnostic services can enhance your projects and contribute to breakthroughs in cancer research.
Reference
- Wang K, Wang X, Pan Q, Zhao B. Liquid biopsy techniques and pancreatic cancer: diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation. Mol Cancer. 2023 Oct 6;22(1):167.
