New Study Explores Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Appendix Cancer

A new study published in Clinical Cancer Research takes a close look at circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in appendix cancer. ctDNA is made up of small fragments of tumor DNA that can be found in the bloodstream, and blood tests that detect it (sometimes called “liquid biopsies”) are increasingly used in cancer care.

What the researchers found

The study found that appendiceal adenocarcinoma appears less likely to shed ctDNA into the blood than many other types of cancer. Even so, ctDNA testing still showed real clinical value for some patients.

  • Detectable ctDNA was found more often in high-grade, signet ring cell, and colonic-type appendix cancers.
  • ctDNA was also detected more often in tumors with a TP53 mutation and in cancers that had spread beyond the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen).
  • Among patients whose ctDNA was detected, about 13% had actionable mutations – changes that could potentially be matched to a targeted (“druggable”) therapy.

Why this matters for appendix cancer patients

Because appendix cancer is rare and behaves differently from colorectal cancer, research specific to this disease is essential. Understanding when ctDNA testing is likely to be informative can help patients and their care teams decide how best to use these tests for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

ACPMP-supported research

ACPMP is proud that two of the study’s authors have received ACPMP funding: Dr. John Paul Shen of MD Anderson Cancer Center, a recipient of an ACPMP Catalyst Research Grant, and Dr. Michael White, a recipient of the ACPMP-funded SSO Young Investigator Award. Learn more about the research grants ACPMP has awarded.

Read the study

White MG, et al. The Landscape of ctDNA in Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma. Clinical Cancer Research. 2025;31(3):551–560. View the abstract on PubMed.

You can find this and other studies in our Published Research library.

This summary is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your care team about what this research may mean for you.