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    Lydia Warburton

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Liquid Biopsy to assess microscopic residual disease in melanoma

Student name:

Dr Lydia Warburton (PhD candidate)

Supervisors:

1. Professor Elin Gray
2. Professor Michael Millward (UWA)
3. Dr Leslie Beasley

Summary of thesis:

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a potential “liquid biopsy” for melanoma. Plasma-derived ctDNA are short DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by tumour cells. Studies have shown that ctDNA levels in blood correlate with disease burden and capture minimal residual disease. ctDNA appears to be a viable biomarker for monitoring disease recurrence. However, further studies using ctDNA against current radiological assessments are needed to fully define its suitability to guide treatment decisions. This thesis aims to provide important information that will assist with the implementation of ctDNA as a biomarker monitoring for disease recurrence in melanoma patients.

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