What we do

Evidence based research in ctDNA through national collaboration

The center has a twofold purpose: firstly, to establish a foundation for national collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-building among researchers engaged in ctDNA guided cancer treatment research in Denmark. Secondly, it actively promotes and facilitates ctDNA research, clinical trials, activities, and the translation of ctDNA guided decision making into clinical practice.

Our work extends to ensuring that the clinical benefits of ctDNA guided clinical decision-making are available through clinical trials to all Danish cancer patients. This includes breaking down geographical barriers, making the clinical trials available irrespective of the patients' location in the country and what cancer type they are dealing with.

What is ctDNA?

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)

Circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA, is fragments of DNA shed from cancer cells to the blood stream. Tumor DNA fragments are continually shed during tumor development and growth. The circulating tumor DNA fragments have a short lifetime of only a few hours. Accordingly, the tumor DNA found in a blood sample is a representation of the tumor as it looks at the time of the blood draw. Furthermore, if ctDNA can be detected in the blood, it is a very good real-time indicator of the presence and quantity of cancer cells in the body. The method has been proven to detect cancer earlier than standard-of-care cancer surveillance tools.

However, it should be emphasized that these results are still research results and thus, not standard procedures implemented in Danish cancer clinics. The purpose of the ctDNA Center is to facilitate generation of the evidence needed to motivate implementation of ctDNA guided decision making into standard clinical practice.

Our research

The ctDNA Center is a platform for researchers to collaborate to conduct the studies needed to document the clinical and societal benefits of that investigate ctDNA guided cancer treatment in Denmark - and the center offers seed-funding for national clinical trials.

ctDNA guided decision making has the potential to be used throughout the different stages in the course of the cancer from first symptoms to the terminal disease state. We have divided the possible course of cancer into 5 Clinical Focus Areas (CFAs). Furthermore, to help researchers and clinicians start-up ctDNA research projects we have established five National Infrastructures (NI): Each of them address and aim to reduce a specific barrier for establishment of investigator initiated ctDNA projects. Through the NIs it is possible to get support in overcoming some of the challenges associated with initiating ctDNA research projects.

The trials will make it possible to guide the cancer treatment to fit the individual patient and thus, reduce the risk of overtreatment and side effects

Join the center

If you are conducting research on the potential applications of ctDNA guided cancer treatment at a Danish hospital or researcj institution, we invite you to become a part of the ctDNA Center network. Membership in our network is entirely free of charge.

ADDRESS FOR THE SECRETARIAT

Science Center Skejby, MOMA
Brendstrupgårdsvej 21, build. A
8200 Aarhus N

CONTACT

ctDNA@clin.au.dk
+45 78 45 53 39