‘ctDNA’ to bring big changes in early cancer detection and in reducing costs

KOCHI:
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) tests, which are making a major difference in cancer diagnosis and treatment, are now being launched at affordable costs in leading laboratories across the country, making them more accessible to ordinary people, and this will bring big changes says cancer experts. On the first day of the Aster Quality Care Cancer Conclave (AQCCON) 2026, which began in Kochi, the study sessions explaining the potential of this advanced technology, which helps detect cancer at the very first stage, drew particular attention.

The ctDNA technology is bringing a major revolution in detection of mutations which is the underlying cause of cancer. By the time tumours are found through conventional scanning, the cell proportion would have increased to an extent where complete eradication becomes difficult. By detecting circulating tumour DNA through a blood test, diagnosis becomes possible very quickly, at the early stage of growth. Experts pointed out that as such tests have started becoming available in Indian laboratories, their cost is coming down considerably but validation to optimise sensitivity and specificity.

Dr. Arun R. Warrier, Organizing Secretary of AQCCON and Aster Medcity Medical Oncology Senior Consultant, said the main aim of the conclave is to bring cancer specialists together to share new ideas and innovations in cancer care and thereby improve treatment outcomes for patients.

The conclave also features dedicated sessions on hereditary cancers and genomic oncology. Many families hesitate to disclose a cancer diagnosis for fear that the disease runs in the family, and the sessions aim to dispel these misconceptions and build public awareness.

Organised under the leadership of the Aster International Institute of Oncology at Kochi, the three-day AQCCON conclave will see cancer specialists from across the country take part in more than sixty academic sessions. Expert panel discussions, case-based debates and clinical research presentations will continue in the coming days. This edition marks a defining moment for healthcare, as ASTER, CARE Hospitals, KIMSHEALTH and EVERCARE come together as one integrated healthcare organisation.