Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

ctDNA Test May Cut Chemo for Stage III Bowel Cancer

10/20/2025

31 3

Summary

Story summary

The circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test could reduce chemotherapy in stage III bowel cancer by guiding post-surgical treatment.
In a trial of nearly 1,000 patients, those with negative ctDNA results experienced fewer severe side effects.
Experts say more research is needed to confirm the findings and tailor chemotherapy to individual risk.
Bowel cancer cases in younger adults have surged 50% over the past 30 years.

1 of 1

Story summary

The circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test could reduce chemotherapy in stage III bowel cancer by guiding post-surgical treatment.
In a trial of nearly 1,000 patients, those with negative ctDNA results experienced fewer severe side effects.
Experts say more research is needed to confirm the findings and tailor chemotherapy to individual risk.
Bowel cancer cases in younger adults have surged 50% over the past 30 years.