TĀ MĀTOU E TŪHURA ANA
WHAT WE ARE INVESTIGATING
Take | Issue
Undergoing cancer treatment can be traumatic, difficult and time-consuming, and access to cancer treatment is inequitable.
The current healthcare system relies on invasive imaging techniques (only available at major hospitals) to monitor the progress of cancer treatment.
Whāinga | Aim
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) technology uses a simple blood test to identify and measure cancer markers in the bloodstream. It delivers more rapid and sensitive results than current methods for monitoring cancer treatment.
This study seeks to demonstrate the utility of ctDNA in the management of cancer in a variety of clinical settings, and aims to establish the technology as a routine service in New Zealand.
As part of this it will investigate the potential for using ctDNA technology to improve access to care for patients in rural areas by developing a new community-based method for monitoring cancer treatment.
Huarahi I Whāia | Approach
An earlier Healthier Lives’ study established the utility of ctDNA technology in detecting colorectal cancer and melanoma.
This study will test the feasibility of using ctDNA as a cancer surveillance tool and investigate its potential for early cancer detection. It will also investigate extending the use of ctDNA technology to managing other cancers, including breast, lung, stomach and paediatric cancers.
WHAKAWHITI MŌHIOTANGA
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Academic Publications | Puka Rangahau
- Comparison of Roche Cell-Free DNA collection Tubes® to Streck Cell-Free DNA BCT®s for sample stability using healthy volunteers. Practical Laboratory Medicine. Volume 16, August 2019, e00125.
- Circulating tumor DNA is a sensitive marker for routine monitoring of treatment response in advanced colorectal cancer. Carcinogenesis. 2020 Nov 13;41(11):1507-1517.
- Dynamic ctDNA mutational complexity in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy. Mol Diagn Ther. 2023 Jul;27(4):537-550.
- Complex Patterns of Genomic Heterogeneity Identified in 42 Tumor Samples and ctDNA of a Pulmonary Atypical Carcinoid Patient. Cancer research communications vol. 3,1 31-42. 10 Jan. 2023.
Pāpāho | Media
- Personalising cancer He Kitenga-Research highlights, University of Otago September 2020
- Battling bowel cancer - the frustration, the tears, the gratitude Stuff.co.nz, July 2021
- PhD candidate Jordon Lima on reclaiming te reo Māori University of Otago, September 2022
- ‘Game-changing’ cancer detection test in development Otago Daily Times, June 2023
