Monitoring ctDNA levels to predict therapy response

On Wednesday the 24th of June, Henrik Ditzel and Julia Sidenius Johansen invited the DCCC ctDNA research center members to join an online meeting under the clinical focus area 4 (CFA4) about monitoring ctDNA levels to predict therapy response.

The purpose of the meeting was to keep all members updated on projects relevant to this clinical area.

The projects seek to investigate whether monitoring ctDNA levels during treatment is a better measure of treatment efficacy compared to standard imaging methods and other circulating biomarkers. Furthermore, the meeting supports the formation of a strong network. An important goal for the DCCC ctDNA research center is to ensure formation of new projects and collaborations across Denmark. This is a place to meet fellow researchers and doctors, who could complement your project or benefit from learning from you.

At this meeting, Professor Lars Dyrskjøt gave a short introduction to some methods for ctDNA detection and covered the following methods:

  • ddPCR based on clonal mutations from tumors: May be used both retrospectively and prospectively
  • Tumor informed targeted sequencing: Primarily used retrospectively
  • Cancer type specific targeted sequencing: May be used retrospectively and prospectively
  • Whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing may be used to detect new mutations when ctDNA levels are high: Used both retrospectively and prospectively

If you want to know more about specific methods, please reach out to the ctDNA network at an upcoming meeting or make direct contact. (See the planned meetings and workshops here)

Funding

An important topic, discussed at all the meetings this week, was funding applications. Not only in relation to the fall-call from the ctDNA center, but also funding in general. For the next round of funding from the ctDNA center the deadline is 23 October 2020. The guidelines for funding through the ctDNA center are found here: https://ctdna.dk/projekter/projects/apply-for-funding. The application and evaluation process will be a bit different for this round but the requirements will not change. The bar was set high for the first round, and this will not change. Receiving funding from the ctDNA center is to receive a sign of approval from peer researchers and thus an argument for funding from other agencies. More information about the new application and evaluation process will come later.

CFA4 Projects

At this meeting, three projects were introduced: TOMBOLA, PACTO, and Be To-Ovar.

TOMBOLA (Treatment Of Metastatic Bladder cancer at the time Of biochemical reLApse following radical cystectomy) Professor Lars Dyrskjøt:

The TOMBOLA trial is a non-randomized phase II study covering multiple CFAs. The intervention occurs after surgery (CFA2) and during surveillance(CFA3) and with a primary  endpoint (ctDNA decrease) during treatment (CFA4). The aim of the study is to investigate whether an earlier detection of relapse and following earlier onset of treatment will result in treatment that is more effective, measured by a decrease in ctDNA levels. For each patient included, four patient specific ddPCR assays are run. Prior to trial onset, the group has focused on optimization, SOP and protocols – if you would like inspiration for your own SOP or protocols, please contact the group. At the next meeting we hope to see the first data from the project.

PACTO (A multinational, randomized, phase II study of the combination of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine with or without IL-6R inhibitor, tocilizumab, as first-line treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer” (NCT02767557))

Inna Chen:

The PACTO study is a trial investigating the effects of chemotherapy in combination with anti-IL-6R inhibitor in patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. It is a multinational, randomized phase II study. The project includes patients from Herlev (initiating hospital), Hillerød, Roskilde and Oslo.

The patients are followed with CT scans and blood samples before, during and after treatment to investigate whether plasma ctDNA and ctDNA KRAS mutation can predict treatment response and prognosis. The project has almost included all patients.

BeTo-Ovar

Clinical Professor Anders Jakobsen:

The BeTo-Ovar project is a phase II protocol monitoring on the basis of ctDNA.

  • Webinar: Ascites

    Ascites: A potential advantageous material for genetic insight into the tumor Can ascites be used for genetic insights into the tumor profile when surgery and thus tissue sampling are not possible? Date and time: 23 May 2024 from15:30 – 16:30Place: Online (link will be provided a couple of days before the webinar)Registration: RegistrationTarget population: Anyone interested in the topic from the ctDNA Research Center (this is not a webinar for the industry).Webinar leader:Lau Kræsing VestargaardDepartment of PathologyHerlev HospitalMore information will follow soon.
  • Webinar: Comparison of freezing temperatures in the biobank

    From -80°C to -60°C: Comparison of Freezing Temperatures in the Biobank Can we promote sustainable biobanking through the choice of freezing temperatures while maintaining the quality of biological samples? Background:The use of Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers (ULTs) is crucial for safe and reliable storage of biological material, but ULTs can have an undesirably high energy consumption. Several factors can affect their efficiency, such as selected operating temperatures. and the frequency and duration of freezer door openings. Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark (RBGB) has investigated the temperature stability and energy consumption of the Haier ULT freezer DW-86L959 at -80°C, -70°C, and -60°C, as well as how ULT freezers are heated in case of power failure. The results of the study will serve as a basis for future decisions and efforts to promote more sustainable biobanking, thereby contributing to a greener climate initiative without risking a reduction in the quality of biologically valuable samples.Date and time: 13 June 2024 from15:30 – 16:30Place: Online (you will receive the link a couple of days before the webinar)Registration: RegistrationTarget population: Anyone interested in the topic from the ctDNA Research Center (this is not a webinar for the industry)Webinar leader: Corrie Lynne MadsenBio-and GenomeBank DenmarkDepartment of PathologyHerlev HospitalThe webinar:In this webinar, we will focus on RBGB's research into various freezing temperatures, specifically at -80°C, -70°C, and -60°C. The study examines how the choice of freezing temperature impacts temperature stability and energy consumption, while continually ensuring high quality biological samples.Corrie Lynne Madsen will discuss the execution of the study and present its findings.We look forward to welcoming you to the webinar!
  • Webinar: ctDNA RECIST program

    Introduction to the ctDNA RECIST program We invite you to this webinar, where we will focus on ctDNA-RECIST and the potentials to redefine how we measure treatment response and tailor interventions for cancer patients.Webinar leader: Karen-Lise Garm SpindlerProfessor Department of Oncology Aarhus University HospitalDate and time: 22 April 2024 from 15:30 – 16:30Place: OnlineTarget population: Clinicians interested in ctDNA RECIST in Denmark and in the ctDNA Research CenterOBS this seminar is an internal seminar for center members and clinicians working at a university or hospital in Denmark (this is not a seminar for the industry).Registration: RegistrationBackground:In the context of metastatic cancers, decisions regarding systemic palliative therapies often rely on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). It is a imaging centric approach used as a key to treatment decisions. RECIST has its limitations and therefore, there is a need for refined tools in assessing treatment efficacy.With Karen-Lise Garm Spindler in front, a network proposes an alternative - ctDNA-RECIST. This response classification system pivots on the measurements of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and its confidence intervals. The intention is to ignite a dialogue around ctDNA-RECIST and its potential impact on clinical decision-making.For deeper insights into the background of the propose of ctDNA-RECIST, we recommend exploring the following two publications: Circulating tumor DNA: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors - can we RECIST? Focus on colorectal cancerKaren-Lise Garm Spindler, Anders Jacobsen(2023, April). Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, vol 15. Pages 1-11. Doi: 10.1177/17588359231171580 ctDNA-Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors - a new measure in medical oncologyAnders K. M. Jakobsen, Karen-Lise Garm Spindler(2023, February). European Journal of Cancer, 180. Pages 180-183. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.11.039. PMID: 36610263 Reporting on circulating tumor DNA monitoring in metastatic cancer-From clinical validity to clinical utilityBrenner Thomsen C, Dandanell Juul A, Lefèvre AC, Glismand Truelsen C, Dizdarevic E, Ryssel H, Mathilde Kjaer I, Lycke Wind K, Callesen LB, Faaborg Larsen L, Støchkel Frank M, Fredslund Andersen R, Garm Spindler KL, and Jakobsen A.Cancer. 2022 Jun 1;128(11):2052-2057. doi: 10.1002/cncr.34168. Epub 2022 Mar 18. PMID: 35302663. The webinar:Karen-Lise Garm Spindler will lead the webinar, and we will discuss: What is RECIST, and its short comings? Challenges in defining ctDNA response evaluation criteria The ctDNA RECIST principles The potential clinical impact of ctDNA-RECIST Status of the ctDNA program and international context Discussion We look forward to welcoming you to this webinar!
  • PhD course: digital PCR

    We are delighted to host the new PhD course: 'Digital PCR methods for circulating tumor DNA analyses - Theory and Practice'   Aim of the course The aim is to teach the students the principles of digital PCR (dPCR) with focus on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses, how to optimize and report ctDNA analyses as well as to test different dPCR platforms and discuss their pros and cons.   Content of the course The course is part theoretical and part practical with lectures on Introduction to dPCR, Optimization of ctDNA analyses Sample QC strategies and controls dPCR platform presentations dPCR result analysis In the practical part of the course, students will work in small groups together with an instrument application specialist on the different dPCR platforms. Plasma DNA samples, in-house ctDNA assays and vendor assays will be analyzed enabling a head-to-head comparison of the different dPCR platforms.   Recommended knowledge for participation The course is constructed and executed such that both participants with medical and science/technology backgrounds will benefit from the course. Basic knowledge of molecular biology, clinical cancer management, ctDNA, qPCR and/or dPCR will be benefit, but is not a requirement.   Application for participation You must write a short application to be accepted for attending the course. This application shall state why the applicant wishes to attend, the level of background knowledge, and the purpose of taking the course. The size of the application is limited to 2500 characters (including spaces).  The purpose of the application is to enable prioritization of motivated applicants with urgent needs for the course. Your application must be sent through the course registration here. Register for the course Registration deadline: August 23, 2024.   Course dates Friday            October 4    16:00 - 18:00 Saturday        October 5    08:30 - 16:00 Sunday          October 6    08:30 - 13:00   Venue Department of Pathology – section NæstvedZealand University HospitalRingstedgade 79A, 4700 Næstved, Denmark   Accommodation Hotel KirstineKøbmagergade 204700 Næstved   ECTS points 1 ECTS, the full workload of the course is expected to be 25 hours   Language English   Host Roskilde University - The Doctoral School of Science and Environment The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment and Zealand University Hospital – Department of Pathology   Coordinator Niels PallisgaardOther teachers: Invited guest speakers and company representatives.   Price PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University Participation in the course including accommodation and meals is without cost for: PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University PhD-students enrolled at a Danish University PhD-students enrolled at partner universities of the Nordic collaboration PhD-students from other institutions in the open market agreement for PhD courses Others: DKK 2.000   Number of participants Maximum: 15 Minimum: 8   Questions? Contact course administrator Anne Lorentzen:Mail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: 78 45 53 39
  • EQA plasma ctDNA purification

    The purpose of the study is to evaluate various platforms and kits for the purification of ctDNA, ensuring standardization of ctDNA purification methods and thereby enhancing the quality of ctDNA analyses in Denmark. We seek ctDNA laboratories in Denmark to participate in the EQA. Procedure and timeframe  In Danish EQA studiet kommer til at forløbe således: Tilmelding til kvalitetsstudiet senest d. 16. februar. Laboratoriet i Næstved forbereder plasma prøver. Plasma prøver sendes til deltagende laboratorierne d. 4. marts. De deltagende laboratorierne oprenser ctDNA prøverne og sender dem retur til Næstved laboratoriet. Samtidig udfyldes og indsendes det tilsendte rapporteringsskema. Alt sammen senest d. 4. april. Næstved laboratoriet analyserer ctDNA prøverne og måler på forskellige parametre såsom udbytte, mængde af enkeltstrenget DNA, proteinase K overførsel, fragmentering osv. Data anonymiseres og deles med alle DCCC ctDNA laboratorier slut Q2. Plasma prøverne vil blive tilsendt på tøris i et sæt á 5 rør for hvert oprensningskit. Hvert rør i et sæt er mærket med 1 til 5 og indeholder 5 mL plasma. Hvis et laboratorie ønsker at teste flere oprensningskit og/eller platforme er dette også muligt. Der modtages i dette tilfælde flere sæt af 5 rør. Do you want to participate? If you wish to participate in this EQA ctDNA quality study, please send an email to malemad@regionsjaelland.dk by February 16th, specifying the number of different purification kits you would like to test.If you have additional questions regarding the quality study, you may also send them to the same email address.
  • Annual Meeting 2024

    We look forward to the Annual Meeting in the Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment in 2024!   Participation: Register here NB! Participation is free and inkludes meals - but the registration is binding, and if you don’t show, and have not unregistered at least 14 days before the meeting, we will have to charge a no show fee.The Annual Meeting is open for every member/participant of the center (i.e. this is an internal meeting and not for companies and people from our international collaborations).   Program: The program is being planned.   Practical information   Date: 11 - 12 November 2024 When you arrive on November 11 between 09:00 - 10:00, you will get a nametag and a program for the day - and it will be possible to get a snack before we begin at 10:00.   Place: Aalborg, Helnan Phønix Hotel Find more information hereAdress: Vesterbro 77, 9000 AlborgHelnan Phønix Hotel is placed in walking distance from the main train station in Aalborg - just 800 meter. (The center will not cover transport) Hotel accomodation: In the registration you can register for a room at Helnan Phønix HotelCost is covered by DCCC ctDNA Research Center and an offer for people who travel from outside Aalborg. Poster: The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to present your project and get thoughts and feedback from others working within the ctDNA field. We encourage you to bring a poster no matter how far you are in the project - thus you can pitch your project and work in progress. Supported trials are encourage to bring a poster even though you are presenting.Everyone who bring a poster, will have a short flash talk before the poster session. The presentation is meant to be an appetizer for your poster.Size: Information will follow.   Meals: The meals are included in the registration and will be served at Helnan Phønix Hotel. In the registration you expressed dietary requirements - if you didn't and need to, write to Anne Lorentzen (anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk) as soon as possible.In the evening on Monday 11 November, we will have the Networking Dinner.Sign up for the dinner in the registration.   Pictures: Be aware that the meeting will be photographed and the pictures may be used in connection to coverage of the meeting. In connection to portrait pictures, the involved will be asked for accept of potential use.     About the Annual Meeting: Every year the DCCC ctDNA Research Center invites to an annual meeting in the center – this is always held in the third week of November. The purpose of the meeting is to get an update on the activities, events, and projects in the center – and to strengthen existing collaborations and create new ones. At the meeting everyone can share the newest insights on ctDNA guided cancer treatment from their projects. There will be room for feedback and discussions in a closed forum where no one will leak preliminary results to the outside world – thus an opportunity to have a closed discussion in the benefit of the research of ctDNA. The goal with the meeting: Meet each other across the country and strengthen the collaboration Get updated on the activities, events, and projects Get inspired, help, and feedback in this closed forum     Contact information Feel free to contact the center, if you have any questions: Anne Lærke Lorentzen, Scientific CoordinatorE-mail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: +45 78 45 53 39
  • Talks at ESCP 2023

    The DCCC ctDNA Research Center is represented at the scientific conference by European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) in Vilnius 27 - 29 September 2023   Talk by Tenna Vesterman Henriksen:Date and time: 27 September at 13:45 - 14:10Title: ctDNA: A Guide for Management in Neo-Adjuvant, Adjuvant, and Follow-Up SettingsSession: 'Biology of Colorectal Cancer'Tenna will present the broad opportunities for using ctDNA guided descision making.Talk by Mai-Britt Worm Ørntoft:Date and time: 28 September at 13:45 - 14:10Title: RESPONSE: Colorectal Cancer Survivors' Follow-Up Care - Now digital and Need-based. A National Interventional Effectiveness Trial for Stage I and II PatientsSession: 'New Trials ForumMai-Britt will present the RESPONSE study which focus on comparing the current standard-of-care follow-up program for stage I-II CRC survivors to a novel personalized follow-up program. Read more about the conference here.  
  • PhD-course: digital PCR

    We are delighted to host the new PhD course: 'Digital PCR methods for circulating tumor DNA analyses - Theory and Practice'   Aim of the course The aim is to teach the students the principles of digital PCR (dPCR) with focus on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses, how to optimize and report ctDNA analyses as well as to test different dPCR platforms (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche) and discuss their pros and cons.   Content of the course The course is part theoretical and part practical with lectures on Introduction to dPCR, Optimization of ctDNA analyses Sample QC strategies and controls dPCR platform presentations (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche) dPCR result analysis In the practical part of the course, students will work in small groups together with an instrument application specialist on the different dPCR platforms (Bio-Rad, Stilla, Qiagen and Roche). Plasma DNA samples, in-house ctDNA assays and vendor assays will be analyzed enabling a head-to-head comparison of the different dPCR platforms.   Recommended knowledge for participation The course is constructed and executed such that both participants with medical and science/technology backgrounds will benefit from the course. Basic knowledge of molecular biology, clinical cancer management, ctDNA, qPCR and/or dPCR will be benefit, but is not a requirement.   Application for participation You must write a short application to be accepted for attending the course. This application shall state why the applicant wishes to attend, the level of background knowledge, and the purpose of taking the course. The size of the application is limited to 2500 characters (including spaces).  The purpose of the application is to enable prioritization of motivated applicants with urgent needs for the course. Your application must be sent through the course registration here. Register for the course Registration deadline: September 18, 2023.   Course dates Friday            October 27th   17:00 – 19:00 Saturday        October 28th 08:30 – 16:00 Sunday          October 29th    08:30 – 13:00   Venue Department of Pathology – section Næstved Zealand University Hospital Ringstedgade 79A, DK-4700 Næstved, Denmark   Accommodation Hotel KirstineKøbmagergade 204700 Næstved   ECTS points 1 ECTS, the full workload of the course is expected to be 25 hours   Language English   Host Roskilde University - The Doctoral School of Science and Environment The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment and Zealand University Hospital – Department of Pathology   Coordinator Niels Pallisgaard Other teachers: Invited guest speakers and company representatives.   Price PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University Participation in the course including accommodation and meals is without cost for: PhD-students enrolled at Roskilde University PhD-students enrolled at a Danish University PhD-students enrolled at partner universities of the Nordoc collaboration. PhD-students from other institutions in the open market agreement for PhD courses. Others: DKK 2.000   Number of participants Maximum: 15 Minimum: 8   Questions? Contact course administrator Anne Lorentzen:Mail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: 78 45 53 39
  • Meeting about dPCR Assay Database

    Niels Pallisgaard and Malene Green Madsen from NI2 invites you to a workshop about the dPCR assay database! The meeting will focus on a presentation about the purpose and the first draft of the database - followed by a discussion about the need of information and structure of the database.   Date and time: 28 September 2023 from 14:00 – 15:00Place: Online (Link will follow a couple of days before) Register here: REGISTRATION Target population: Anyone interested in the topic from the DCCC ctDNA Research Center. You are welcome to send the invitation to your colleague who could be interested in the meeting.     Background: Niels Pallisgaard and Malene Green Madsen from NI2 are building a database with the ddPCR assay information described below. The information is a collection of assays from ctDNA laboratories around the country. The assays will be available for the ctDNA Center laboratories for free, except for the transportation costs. An assay database will save time, money, and work when an assay in the database is needed in ddPCR in the detection and monitoring of clinical samples. As the database grows the ctDNA laboratories will need to develop and validate fewer and fewer assays over time, thus saving resources. Information included in the database: Contact lab(s) who have used the assay PCR conditions Primer and probe sequences and concentrations (if known) Available controls Picture of 2D plot LoB and LoD if available Traffic light scoring (red: only used a few times in a single lab, yellow: used in several labs, green: widely used   The workshop: We invite you to a workshop, where we will: Talk about the purpose of the database Present the first draft of the database Discuss the information on and the structure of the database – is there a need for additional information?   Seminar leaders: National Infrastructure 2 (NI2): Niels Pallisgaard, Professor, Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital Malene Green Madsen, Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital     Questions? Contact Anne LorentzenMail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: +45 78 45 53 39
  • Meeting about QA trial

    Invitation to online meeting about the design of QA trial!   Date: 13 September 2023Place: Online (Link will be provided by e-mail a couple of days before)Registration: REGISTRATION     National Infrastructure 2 (NI2) has worked on a reference material for the standardization of ctDNA analyses – and it has reached its final design and is ready for use after the summer of 2023! The next step is to do a quality assurance trial (QA trial), where the laboratories analyze the samples by using their normal workflow for detection of DNA from liquid biopsies (ddPCR or NGS based methods) – and in collaboration with the involved laboratories, the results will anonymously be included in a scientific article. For this, NI2 is looking for interested laboratories. Everyone is invited to an online meeting on 13 September from 2-3 p.m., where the design of the QA trial will be presented, and the final design will be determined in collaboration. If you cannot participate in the meeting but are interested in participating in the QA, contact Anne Lærke Lorentzen (anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk). We hope that many of relevant laboratories will be a part of the QA, so we can work together on this highly important work to standardize ctDNA analyses national and work towards the goal of translating ctDNA results into clinical practice.     ***Read more about the reference material and QA trial here***   Reference material: As a short summary, the reference material includes relevant mutations from human cancers and frequent used medicaments. Further, the material spans over a wide noise profile and different types of mutations. The reference material is designed to include variants which is frequently analyzed by ctDNA laboratories in Denmark and can be analyzed by using common methods like ddPCR and NGS. The final reference material is to be used as a quality assurance for ctDNA analyses among laboratories in Denmark as a way to obtain common standard across laboratories and facilities. The goal is to make the reference material free and available for everyone at the Danish laboratories. Quality Assurance Trial (QA): This is why NI2 will make a quality assurance trial of ctDNA analyses across laboratories, who as a routine analyze low frequent DNA measures in liquid biopsies with ddPCR and NGS based methods (including ctDNA analyses in plasma). Here is more information about the QA: Purpose:Quality assurance of ctDNA analyses among Danish laboratories to identify the best laboratory workflow for ctDNA detection. Why:National standardization of ctDNA analyses is necessary to act upon the promising clinical applications that ctDNA offers and translate ctDNA results into clinical practice. Quality assurance of ctDNA analyses will involve a certification program with the aim of accrediting ctDNA laboratories by national standards. Who:All laboratories in Denmark with interested in achieving a common standard for low-frequent liquid biopsy analyses, including ctDNA measurements in plasma. Laboratories that routinely analyze low frequent DNA measurements using ddPCR or NGS-based methods, are covered by the reference material from the ctDNA Center. How:The ctDNA Center will send out a set of reference samples to interested laboratories, who will analyze the samples using their common laboratory workflow for DNA detection from liquid biopsies (ddPCR or NGS-based methods). In collaboration with the involved laboratories, results will anonymously be included in a scientific article that analytically evaluates the performed analyses.  Expectation:The ctDNA Center covers the expenses in connection with the creation and distribution of reference samples. Since the reference samples are designed to be included in common laboratory workflows, the costs in relation to the analyses performed will be charged to each party. The various parties will participate in the dissemination of the results from the quality assurance trial in a scientific article. If you have any questions about the reference material, please contact Mads Heilskov Rasmussen (leader of NI2) at mads.heilskov@clin.au.dk.
  • Folkemødet på Bornholm

    ctDNA Forskningscentret på Folkemødet på Bornholm 2023! Dato: 15. juni 2023Tidspunkt: kl. 17:00 - 17:45Sted: NI - Kræftens Bekæmpelse på FolkemødetLæs mere om oplægget her: Sådan kan en blodprøve afsløre kræftens hemmelighederClaus Lindbjerg Andersen og Lars Dyrskjøt Andersen holder et oplæg om ctDNA på Folkemødet 2023. Oplægget er en del af DCCC - Danish Comprehensive Cancer Center's populærvidenskabelige foredrag og skal foregå i Kræftens Bekæmpelses telte. Baggrund for oplægget:Dit blod kan afsløre hemmeligheder om dig og din sundhed. En blodprøve kan for eksempel sladre om kræft. For har du kræft et sted i kroppen, vil du ofte have DNA fra kræftcellerne i blodet. Og det kræftDNA viser ikke bare, at du har kræft – det kan også fortælle noget om, hvordan netop din kræft opfører sig, og hvilken behandling, der virker bedst for dig. Potentialet er enormt. KræftDNA fra blodprøver kan revolutionere vores kræftbehandlinger og øge overlevelsen og livskvaliteten. Og det er ikke ren fremtids-snak. Teknologien bliver lige nu afprøvet på flere danske hospitaler. Men hvordan virker det, og hvor langt er forskningen? Mød professor Lars Dyrskjøt og professor Claus Lindbjerg Andersen fra 'Dansk Forskningscenter for Cirkulerende Tumor DNA Guidet Kræftbehandling' til et populærvidenskabeligt foredrag, hvor der stilles skarpt på, hvad teknologien kan gøre for den enkelte patient nu og i fremtiden.Oplægget foregår på dansk.
  • Seminar Series: Pneumatic tube system

    Online meeting: Multicenter study of pneumatic tube systems’ influence on cfDNA/ctDNA analyses Date: 12 april 2023 Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Place: Online at Microsoft Teams (link will follow in an e-mail after registration deadline) Seminar leaders: National Infrastructure 1 (NI1)                             Rikke Fredslund Andersen, Senior Researcher, Department of Clinical Immunology and Biochemistry, Sygehus Lillebælt, Vejle                             Cecilie Mondrup Jacobsen, Master of Science in Engineering, Department of Clinical Immunology and Biochemistry, Sygehus Lillebælt, Vejle                             Luisa Matos Do Canto Alvim, Molecular Biologist, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology and Biochemistry, Sygehus Lillebælt, VejleTarget population: Anyone in the ctDNA Center who is interested in the influence from the pneumatic tube system - and who is at a hospital with the systemRegistration: Register hereOBS this seminar is an internal seminar for center members - working at a university or hospital in Denmark.     Background: Pneumatic tube systems (PTSs) are used in most hospitals in Denmark and abroad for efficiently transporting samples. With the implementation of cell-free DNA and circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA/ctDNA) analyses in the hospitals’ routine, it is crucial to assess the influence of using PTS for whole blood transportation on cfDNA/ctDNA quality/quantity.   Purpose: The aim of this seminar is to plan a multicenter study involving the three most common PTS systems in Denmark in order to elucidate the influence of PTS on cfDNA/ctDNA quality/quantity using digital droplet PCR.     The Seminar SeriesThe Seminar is a part of a new initiative by The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment; Seminar Series. The Seminar Series is a range of different seminars and workshops about ctDNA guided cancer treatment. They are open for everyone in the ctDNA Center - so feel free to share it with others who are working with or interested in ctDNA in Denmark. The seminars will be held approximately every second month.The Seminar Series is an element of the ctDNA Research Center’s aim to facilitate national collaboration regarding research on ctDNA guided cancer treatment.Everyone in the center can contribute with a workshop in their field of expertise or suggest wishes for a theme for a seminar - contact Anne Lærke Lorentzen, anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk
  • Seminar Series: Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark

    Seminar: Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark What is Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark, and how can you as a researcher use the material and data?   Date: 11 May 2023Time: 03:00 pm - 04:30 pm (kl. 15:00 - ca. 16:30)Place: Online (link will follow in an e-mail after registration deadline)Seminar leader: Estrid Høgdall, Professor, Dr. Med., Ph.D., The Molecular Unit, Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital - and Director of the Bio-and Genome Bank DenmarkTarget audience: Everyone in the center interested in hearing about Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark (Regionernes Bio-og Genombank, RBGB)Registration: Please register here (registration deadline is 10 May 2023)About the seminar: At the seminar, Estrid will be speaking about the history, organization, and purpose of Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark.Additionally, she will present data about the material that has already been collected, and explain how researchers can obtain information about previously collected samples. She will also provide guidance on how researchers and clinicians can use the infrastructure of Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark for prospective collection of biological material. There will also be examples of cooperation agreements. At the secretariat of the Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark providing guidance and assistance is at the primary focus - so every requests are welcome!Find more information at Bio-and Genome Bank Denmark webpage: https://www.regioner.dk/rbgb   About Seminar Series:The Seminar is a part of a new initiative by The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment; Seminar Series. The Seminar Series is a range of different seminars and workshops about ctDNA guided cancer treatment. They are open for everyone in the ctDNA Center - so feel free to share it with others who are working with or interested in ctDNA in Denmark.The seminars will be held approximately every second month.The Seminar Series is an element of the ctDNA Research Center’s aim to facilitate national collaboration regarding research on ctDNA guided cancer treatment.Everyone in the center can contribute with a workshop in their field of expertise or suggest wishes for a theme for a seminar - contact Anne Lærke Lorentzen, anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk
  • Seminar Series: Reference material

    Seminar: Deciding the final design of the DCCC ctDNA Research Center's ctDNA reference material Date: 22 March 2023Time: 03:00 pm - 05:00 pm (kl. 15:00 - ca. 17:00)Place: Online at Zoom (link will follow in an e-mail after registration deadline)Seminar leaders: Laura Elgaard Iisager Jensen, Research Assistant, Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA) Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital                             Mads Heilskov Rasmussen, Cand.Scient., Ph.D., Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA) Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital Target population: Anyone in the center interested in being involved in the design of the DCCC ctDNA center’s FINAL reference material set for ctDNA detection methods.Registration: Please register here (registration deadline is the 20th of March 2023)OBS this seminar is for center members - working at a university or hospital in Denmark.     Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is becoming a valuable tool for non-invasive cancer detection and profiling. However, effective clinical integration of ctDNA analysis requires standardization, benchmarking, and quality control of ctDNA assays. In the ctDNA center’s National Infrastructure 2 (NI2), we aim to develop stable and unlimited reference material (RefMat) for the common ctDNA detection methods, NGS and ddPCR, using artificial, mutated spike-in ctDNA. The RefMat will be available for other ctDNA laboratories to use, with the aim of achieving common standards for ctDNA detection across facilities, and a standardized protocol for optimal generation of ctDNA RefMat, in general.   Purpose: The purpose of the workshop is: To plan the design of the DCCC ctDNA Center's ctDNA RefMat in relation to conduction of the planned QA ring trials and ctDNA method benchmarking experiments. To create the most useful, widespread, and accommodating panel of standards for all center members to use.   Agenda: Presentation of the RefMat protocol. Presentation of the draft version of RefMat spike-in mutations. Discussion of the RefMat design: Do the included mutations cover the most important aspects related to ctDNA detection such as noise level and mutation type ? Are the mutations relevant, e.g. have high recurrence indices, are potential drug targets, and are my favorite mutations included ? What allele frequency distribution should be represented ? Discussion of the potential use of the RefMat, specifically: QA ring trials. Method benchmarking. Internal laboratory control.   Preparation: Read the handed out preliminary RefMat design and consider possibly changes or improvements relating to your laboratory's preferences.This will be e-mailed to you before the seminar   The Seminar SeriesThe Seminar is a part of a new initiative by The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment; Seminar Series. The Seminar Series is a range of different seminars and workshops about ctDNA guided cancer treatment. They are open for everyone in the ctDNA Center - so feel free to share it with others who are working with or interested in ctDNA in Denmark.The seminars will be held approximately every second month.The Seminar Series is an element of the ctDNA Research Center’s aim to facilitate national collaboration regarding research on ctDNA guided cancer treatment.Everyone in the center can contribute with a workshop in their field of expertise or suggest wishes for a theme for a seminar - contact Anne Lærke Lorentzen, anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk
  • Apply for funding

    The round of applications is open!   The DCCC ctDNA Research Center work for more national collaboration, breaking down barriers, and start new trials on ctDNA guided cancer treatment. One way we do this is to provide funds for clinical projects and methological studies under the center. It is possible to apply for 500.000 DKK per project. The center have funding application deadline twice a year.With the fundings we hope to strengthen the national knowledge sharing, make a faster implementation of research results in the clinical setting, and do more evidence-based research.As the DCCC ctDNA Research Center is a national center with a special focus on creating clinical impact from research projects, there are some criteria that must be met, for the projects to receive funding.The current call is to be found here: Apply for Funding  
  • Online Journal Club

    The ctDNA Research Center invites everyone who is interested to join the online Journal Club!Here you can find more information about next year's online Journal Club. Time: The last Thursday every month from 3:00-4:00 pm (except July and December)Place: Online at Zoom (link will be provided with the calendar invitation)Practical details: Below you will find the overview of the dates in 2024. It would be great, if you will contribute with an article for one of the Journal Clubs. Write an e-mail to Anne Lorentzen (anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk) if you want to contribute to the Journal Club – the article can be chosen later. 25 January 2024: Sia Viborg Lindskrog, Postdoc, Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital 29 February 2024: Cecilie Mondrup Jacobsen, MSc in Engineering, and Luisa Matos do Canto, PhD, Department of Clinical Immunology and Biochemistry, Vejle Hospital  21 March 2024: Cancelled 25 April 2024:  30 May 2024: Christina Søs Audur Andersen, PhD student, Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital 29 August 2024 26 September 2024 31 October 2024: Caroline Ledertough Kahn, PhD student, Gastroenheden, Hvidovre Hospital 28 November 2024 The article: The one responsible for the Journal Club e-mail the article to Anne Lorentzen no later than a week before the Journal Club – then Anne will distribute the article to the center participants.Registration: We would like to know how many, who will take part in the Journal Club, so please accept the calendar invitation for the Journal Club or write an e-mail to Anne LorentzenWe look forward to discuss ctDNA articles in collaboration!
  • Seminar Series: Digital PCR data handling

    The 1st ctDNA seminar will be about digital PCR data handling The ctDNA seminars will be held approximately every second month. The seminars are open for everyone in the ctDNA Center to participate in - so feel free to share it with others who are working with or interested in ctDNA in Denmark. Everyone in the center can contribute with a workshop in their field of expertise or suggest wishes for a theme for a seminar - contact Anne Lærke Lorentzen, anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk The seminar series is an element of the ctDNA Research Center’s aim to facilitate national collaboration regarding research on ctDNA guided cancer treatment.   Seminar: Digital PCR data handling Date: 25 January 2023 Time: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm (Kl. 15:00-17:30)Place: Online at Zoom (link will follow in an e-mail after registration deadline) Seminar leader: Tenna Henriksen, Postdoc at Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA) Aarhus University and Aarhus University HospitalTarget population: Everybody who uses ddPCR for ctDNA detectionRegistration: Please register here (Registration deadline is the 20th of January 2023)   Purpose:  Many studies involving circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection are using digital PCR (dPCR) to quantify ctDNA. One of the attractive qualities of dPCR is the relatively simple data output format, enabling easy data processing. Yet, dPCR is – like all molecular tools – susceptible to noise, which can complicate quantification of low ctDNA levels. This online workshop will introduce basic data handling of dPCR data and via practical exercises guide participants through the steps of correcting for noise in dPCR data. Finally, the workshop will showcase examples of how substandard data handling can lead to problematic study results.   Learning outcomes: Defining positive and negative droplets Applying different methods to differentiate between noise and signal Understanding factors impacting the noise level in cfDNA analysis Understanding the requirements for various noise-correction methods Discern which noise-correction method is suitable for different studies Appreciate the implications of false-positives and false-negatives on a real-life study   Requirements: Basic understanding of digital PCR and what the data represents R-studio and R installed on the computer prior to the workshop Following packages installed in R: “dplyr” and “ggplot2” If possible, access to a computer running the QuantaSoft Software from BioRad. If this is not possible accommodations will be made on the day.   Preparation: Install R and R-studio on your computer Read paper: “Error Characterization and Statistical Modeling Improves Circulating Tumor DNA Detection by Droplet Digital PCR” by Henriksen et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/hvab274).
  • Annual meeting 2023

    We look forward to the Annual Meeting in the Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment in 2023!   Participation: Registration for the Annual Meeting in DCCC ctDNA Research Center is now closed.  NB! Participation is free and inkludes meals - but the registration is binding, and if you don’t show, and have not unregistered at least 14 days before the meeting, we will have to charge a no show fee.The Annual Meeting is open for every member/participant of the center (i.e. this is an internal meeting and not for companies and people from our international collaborations).   Program: The program is to be found here ANNUAL MEETING POSTER SESSION  During the two days you are free to take a look at the posters - and on November 13 from 16:00 - 17:30 we will have the official poster session.     Practical information   Date: The Annual Meeting will take place 13-14 November 2023  When you arrive on November 13 between 09:00 - 10:00, you will get a nametag and a program for the day - and it will be possible to get a snack before we begin at 10:00.   Place: The Annual Meeting will be held in Aarhus at Scandic Aarhus C (read more about Scandic Aarhus C here).The address is: Østergade 10, 8000 Aarhus C.Scandic Aarhus C is placed in a walking distance from the main train station in Aarhus - just 700 meter. Read about parking opportunities here: Parking Scandic(The center will not cover transport)   Hotel - Overnight accomodation: In the registration you ca register for a room at Hotel Scandic Aarhus C.Cost are covered by DCCC ctDNA Research Center and an offer for people who travel from outside Århus.   Poster size: A1 (W: 594 x H: 841) When you arrive you must put up your poster, so it will be possible for the participants to take a look at them during the two days. The official Poster Session is November 13 from 16:00 - 17:30.   Meals: The meals are included in the registration and will be served at Scandic Aarhus C. In the registration you expressed dietary requirements - if you didn't and need to, write to Anne Lorentzen (anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk) as soon as possible.In the evening on Monday 13 November, we will have the Networking Dinner.Sign up for the dinner in the registration.   Pictures: Be aware that the meeting will be photographed and the pictures may be used in connection to coverage of the meeting. In connection to portrait pictures, the involved will be asked for accept of potential use.     About the Annual Meeting: Every year the DCCC ctDNA Research Center invites to an annual meeting in the center – this is always held in the third week of November. The purpose of the meeting is to get an update on the activities, events, and projects in the center – and to strengthen existing collaborations and create new ones. At the meeting everyone can share the newest insights on ctDNA guided cancer treatment from their projects. There will be room for feedback and discussions in a closed forum where no one will leak preliminary results to the outside world – thus an opportunity to have a closed discussion in the benefit of the research of ctDNA. The goal with the meeting: Meet each other across the country and strengthen the collaboration Get updated on the activities, events, and projects Get inspired, help, and feedback in this closed forum     Contact information Feel free to contact the center, if you have any questions: Anne Lærke Lorentzen, Scientific CoordinatorE-mail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: +45 78 45 53 39
  • Health Economic Consultation

    As part of the national DCCC ctDNA research center all memebers have access to health economic guidance. You can book a session directly with Liza Sopina (https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/lsopina)and you can have a discussion on how health economics are incoorporated in your project. Liza is available between 10:00 and 13:00. Other times/dates can also be arranged, please contact Liza (lsopina@health.sdu.dk) directly to book. 08 Sept 15 Sept 22 Sept 29 Sept 13 Oct 20 Oct 03 Nov Please book a 1:1 consultation if you need help with: Understanding whether economic evaluation is relevant and applicable to your study/trial Planning for and integrating economic evaluation (and relevant data collection) into your study Input into protocol or funding application Planning for a sufficient budget for economic evaluation of your trial/study Any other economic evaluation-related questions you may have! The session are online.
  • Funding application deadline

    You can apply for funding through the ctDNA center for your research project focusing on ctDNA guided intervention or development of new methods or knowledge relevant for the entire center. Deadline September 26th 2022 Find more information and the applicationform here: https://ctdna.dk/projekter/projects/apply-for-funding
  • PhD course 2023

    Course The Biology and characteristic of circulating cell free DNA and circulating tumour DNA in health and disease   ECTS: 1 Course Leader: Claus Lindbjerg Andersen Language: English Graduate School: Faculty of Health Graduate program: ClinFO Course fee: Free (761 DKK for non students) Status: Course is open for application Semester: Spring 2023 Application deadline: 17/03/2023 Dates: 22-23/05/2023 Administrator: Johanne Gregor Nielsen Place: Sandbjerg Gods   Together with the Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University, the ctDNA Research Center will host a PhD course.The course is open for every PhD-studens in Denmark and there are room for a maximum of 20 students. Read more about the course and register here: Course information  The course C304/03 The biology and characteristic of circulating cell free DNA and circulating tumor DNA in health and disease is being offered by the Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University, 2023.Criteria for participation: The course is constructed and executed such that both participants with medical and science/technology backgrounds will benefit from the course.You must write a short application to be accepted for attendance at the course. This application shall state why the applicant wishes to attend, the level of background knowledge, and the purpose of taking the course. The size of the application is limited to 2500 characters (including spaces).  The purpose of the application is to enable prioritization of motivated applicants with urgent needs for the course.Your application must be sent to Course administrator on mail: courses.nat.tech.he@au.dk before 10 March 2023.Recommended knowledge for participation: Having basic knowledge about cancer, clinical cancer management, genomics, epigenomics, and molecular biology methods will be benefit, but is not a requirement.Aim: To qualify the students to conduct circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) based research projectsLearning outcomes:  Basic knowledge of cell free DNA biology and markers of ctDNA. The necessary knowledge needed to avoid, or at least control for, biases introduced by pre-analytical processing. Basic understanding of the pros and cons of present state-of-the-art methods and technologies used to analyse cell free DNA (cfDNA) and ctDNA. To enable the student to choose the method/technology best suited in a given situation. Knowledge about the clinical situations where ctDNA may potentially be used to guide clinical decision making Knowledge about pros and cons of different cfDNA/ctDNA trial designs. To qualify the student to design and conduct their own cfDNA/ctDNA study Workload: The full workload of the course is expected to be 25 hours Content: Modules: The biology of cell free and circulating tumor DNA: This module will provide the audience with a fundamental understanding of the biology of cell free and circulating tumor DNA and how working with these opens new possibilities in research and the clinic. The lectures will cover: The cellular origin of the cell free DNA circulating in plasma of healthy and diseased individuals (Somatic mosaism, Chronic/acute diseases, Cancer, Age), mechanisms of how DNA is released to the circulation, circulating cell free DNA and tumor DNA during the course of disease and strengths and weakness of markers of cfDNA and ctDNA, including: Methylation, Mutations, Copy number variations, Fragmentation patterns, Fragment size, Mitochondrial DNA copies, Microbiome DNACritical pre-analytical factors: The lectures will focus on relevant pre-analytical considerations for designing a clinical study. Issues regarding blood collection and processing of cfDNA will be addressed including the best time to draw blood, which vials to use, how to process and store samples, and how to purify cfDNA. The lectures will also cover QC strategies and measures.Detection methods and interpretation of cfDNA and ctDNA measurements: This module will cover the detection and quantification of cfDNA/ctDNA with focus on both tumor and non-tumor informed approaches. The lectures will focus on: PCR based approaches for detecting circulating cell free/tumor DNA, next generation sequencing approaches e.g. multiplex PCR NGS, ultra-deep targeted sequencing, shallow whole genome sequencing, tumor-informed whole genome sequencing processing and QC controls, bioinformatics analysis of ctDNA measurements, interpretation of ctDNA results in clinical context (tumor and non-tumor informed) and multimarker and multianalyte strategiesPotential clinical application and implementation. These lectures will cover all the clinical focus areas address by the National Danish ctDNA research center: Early cancer detection, guiding adjuvant therapy decisions, risk stratified postoperative recurrence surveillance, monitoring ctDNA levels to predict therapy response, and identification of therapeutically actionable targets.The lectures will focus on: Areas where ctDNA guided clinical decision making have potential to change clinical practice, Clinical trial design considerations, Examples of Danish and International trials exploring the clinical benefit of ctDNA guided clinical decision making. Considerations regarding clinical implementation, including cost/benefit and health economicsThe course participants must present the designs and underlying considerations of the studies/trials they are preparing or working on.The course participants will receive scientific papers to read before the course. These will introduce the participants to the vocabulary, biological terms and definitions, and methods of the field. By this it is ensured that all participants have the needed basic understanding of the field to get the full benefit of the course.Venue: Sandbjerg Estate, SønderborgParticipation in the course is without cost for: PhD students, research-year students and research honours programme students from Health, Aarhus University PhD students enrolled at partner universities of the Nordoc collaboration.  PhD students from other institutions in the open market agreement for PhD courses. Course fee: Others: DKK 761 incl. accommodation Course dates: 22 May 2023 08:30 - 20:30 23 May 2023 09:00 - 16:00
  • International Symposium and Annual meeting 2022

    International Symposium and Annual meeting 2022

    We look forward to welcome you to the 1st International Symposium on Circulating Tumor DNA and the Annual Meeting in the Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment Participation: Registration for the International Symposium and the Annual Meeting in DCCC ctDNA Research Center is now closed. Note that participation is free and inkludes meals - but the registration is binding, and if you don’t show, and have not unregistered at least 14 days before the meeting, we will have to charge a no show fee.The International Symposium is open for everyone involved or interested in ctDNA guided cancer treatment.   Program: The programs for the International Symposium and the Annual Meeting is to be found here (The programs will be updated regularily): 1st International Symposium on Circulating Tumor DNA Annual Meeting in the Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment  Poster titles overview During the two days you can find the posters in the Theater Room - feel free to take a look at them in the breaks. On the 14th of November from 17:15-18:30 (in the afternoon) the official poster session     Practical information   Date: It will take place on the 14-15th of November 2022 November 14 2022: The 1st International Symposium with talks updating us on ctDNA research internationally November 15 2022: The Annual Meeting in the ctDNA center and the meeting in the Steering Committee will take place   Place: The symposium and annual meeting are held at HUONE (read more about HUONE here)The adress is: Amager Strandvej 390, 2770 Kastrup, Copenhagen, Denmark. HUONE is placed 10 minutes walk from Kastrup Airport.Please find information about arrival and parking at the bottom of this page: Arrival information(The center will not cover transport) HUONE is a huge conferencecenter, and the events will take place in the following locations at HUONE:Festival Room: International SymposiumStrand Room: Annual MeetingTheater Room: Poster sessionFind the floor plan here: Floor plan   Registration the 14th of November 2022: When you arrive on November 14 you must register your arrival between 09:00-10:00 am.I will be welcoming you at a registration table, where you will get the program and a nametag. It will be possible to get a snack before we begin at 10:00 am. If you bring a poster, you must put it up just after registration. I have pins for the purpose.   Meals and coffee: The meals are included in the registration. The meals will be at HUONE in their catering areas - more precisely information will follow.  Coffee, tea, and water is available from stations around HUONE - one is placed just outside the Festival Room. During the poster session there will be served one beverage pr. person from the DCCC ctDNA Center, and it will be possible to buy more.  In the registration you expressed dietary requirements - if you didn't and need to, write to Anne Lorentzen (anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dk) as soon as possible.Networking Dinner: In the evening on Monday 14 November, we will have the Networking Dinner for invited speakers and the members of the DCCC ctDNA center that signed up for the dinner at registration. The dinner is at HUONE in the Mezzanine Lounge.   Wi-fi: HUONE provides secure wireless connections. Just look for the network called HUONE Guest.   Poster size: Poster size: max.: W.: 92 cm, H.: 138 cm The posters will be in the Theater Room and you can look at them in every break.Between 05:15-06:30 pm on the 14th of November the official poster session will be held.   Hotel - Overnight accomodation: In the registration you had the opportunity to express your need for a room at hotel Scandic CPH Strandpark if you participate in both days (Cost are covered by the ctDNA center and only availbale for members of the DCCC ctDNA center). The hotel is Scandic CPH Strandpark and is located just 5 minutes walk from HUONE. Find more information about the hotel here: Scandic CPH Strandpark Check-in: from 3 pmCheck-out: Before 12:00 (noon)For the sake of the program we kindly ask you to check-in in the end of the poster session from 6:15-7:00 pm.The hotel will be ready to check everyone in. Breaksfast will be at the hotel from 6:00 am. It is possible to leave your luggage at the hotel as the wardrobe at HUONE is small and do not have space for everyone to store their luggage there.     About the International Symposium   The purpose of the symposium is to focus on the possibilities of clinical application of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in guided cancer treatment. The presentations at the symposium will be about the clinical application of ctDNA in breast cancer, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and anal cancer. Thematically the presentations will cover cancer screening, selection of patients to chemotherapy, monitoring of response to chemotherapy, and early detection of recurrence. There will be presentations about new technology for ctDNA detection, which place new standards and open new possibilities for clinical application. With the International Symposium everyone with an interest in using ctDNA based analysis for monitoring and decision making are brought together to facilitate ctDNA based research and clinical implementation of ctDNA guided patient stratification. The objective of DCCC ctDNA Research Center is to provide an effective and vital framework for optimal implementation of evidence-based ctDNA usage in cancer patient management in Denmark. National and international collaboration are a way to reacht this objective. Organizers:The symposium is organized by The Danish National Center for Circulating Tumor DNA Guided Cancer Treatment, and the organizing committee consists of: Professor Lars Dyrskjøt, Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University/Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, DK Professor Claus Lindbjerg Andersen, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University/Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK Consultant, Oncologist Morten Mau Sørensen, Dept. of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen DK     Contact information Feel free to take contact to the center, if you have any questions: Anne Lærke Lorentzen, Scientific CoordinatorE-mail: anne.lorentzen@clin.au.dkPhone: +45 78 45 53 39     Sponsors Thank you to The Danish Cancer Society for supporting the symposium
  • PhD course

    The ctDNA center will host a ctDNA PhD course at Sandbjerg 3-4 May 2022. There is room for a maximum of 20 students. You can find more information and register here: https://au.phd-courses.dk/CourseCatalog/ShowCourse/823?returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fau.phd-courses.dk%2FCourseCatalog%2FShowCourses%2F%3Fquery%3Dctdna%26sortOrder%3DName Remember, both to register via the link and to send your motivated application to annette@au.dk - the deadline is 28 February 2022. The center will pay for accomodation for center members.
  • Meeting in the Steering Committee

    The steering committee will meet online on Thursday the 28th of April to discuss the incoming applications for funding from the center, and the assessments from the executive committee. The meeting will be online and it is possible for members of the steering committee to transfer their votes to the chairman of the steering committee (Lars Dyrskjøt Andersen)  Deadline for application for funding is the 7th of March
  • ctDNA and CTC training school

    ctDNA and CTC training school

    The COST Action CA17118 (TRANSCOLONCAN), Tracepigen, the DCCC Nation Research Center for ctDNA guided cancer, and the European Liquid Biopsy Society invite you to apply for participation in the training school for detection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTC). The training school took place at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark on March 28-30 2022. The training school invited 35 students from all over Europe to three days of lectures, networking, and a lot of discussions.Thank you to all lecturers and participants.   Download the lectures here: Lecture_1           Lecture_2           Lecture_3                     Lecture_4 Lecture_5           Lecture_6           Lecture_7                     Lecture_8 Lecture_9 part1                           Lecture_9 part2 Lecture_10 part1                         Lecture_10 part2 Lecture_10 part3                         Lecture_10 part4 Lecture_10 part5                        Lecture_11  
  • Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development

    On February 8 2022 a group of American students studying a semester abroud at University of Copenhagen, will visit the ctDNA research center at department of molecularmedicin, AUH. They will get an introduction to the center and ctDNA based intervention studies. We are looking forward to the visit!