
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Neha Gupta ( Medical Oncology)
A revolutionary molecular oncology review on Liquid Biopsy and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD), evaluating tumor-informed Next-Generation Sequencing (Signatera, Guardant Reveal), predicting recurrence 8–10 months before CT scans, and guiding adjuvant chemotherapy de-escalation.
CRITICAL CLINICAL RED FLAG: Detecting microscopic persistent circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA-positive status) in a routine blood draw following curative cancer surgery predicts disease recurrence with a >95% positive predictive value, demanding early systemic therapy.
Following curative-intent cancer surgery (for colorectal, lung, breast, or bladder cancers), a significant subset of patients harbor microscopic occult micrometastases that are completely invisible on standard CT/MRI. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)—short fragments of cell-free DNA shed into peripheral blood by apoptotic tumor cells—provides a direct biomarker of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD).
Tumor-Informed Assay: Whole-exome sequencing of the resected surgical tumor tissue identifies 16 patient-specific clonal somatic mutations.
Ultra-Sensitive Digital PCR / NGS: Tracks these customized mutation markers in serial plasma blood draws with a sensitivity limit of 0.01%.
The landmark DYNAMIC phase II trial in Stage II colon cancer demonstrated that ctDNA-guided adjuvant chemotherapy reduced chemotherapy usage by nearly 50% without compromising recurrence-free survival compared to standard management.
"Liquid biopsy ctDNA analysis allows us to look into the patient's bloodstream with molecular precision, sparing cured patients unnecessary chemotherapy while catching microscopic recurrence months before scans can see it." — Dr. Neha Gupta

Serial ctDNA monitoring detects molecular relapse with a median lead time of 8 to 10 months ahead of conventional radiographic CT/PET imaging, enabling intervention when tumor burden is low and curable.
CLINICAL CAUTION: Traditional radiologic CT and PET scans have a detection limit of approximately 5 mm (containing ~100 million cancer cells); ctDNA detects microscopic tumor burden down to a single molecule per milliliter of plasma.
A rapid drop in ctDNA levels within 2 to 4 weeks of initiating immunotherapy or targeted therapy serves as an early surrogate for deep radiological response.
1. Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis Guiding Adjuvant Therapy in Stage II Colon Cancer (DYNAMIC Trial) — NEJM, 2022; 386: 2261-2272.
2. Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Solid Tumors using ctDNA: Clinical Applications and Future Directions — Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2023; 20(4): 230-248.

Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Medical Oncology
MBBS (BFUHS Faridkot), MD Radiation Oncology (BFUHS Faridkot), DrNB Medical Oncology (Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad), Precision Oncology (Harvard, USA), Ex Consultant RGCI New Delhi

13+ Years Experience
Spica — Grover Hospital
Request a priority OPD appointment or second opinion on your scans.
Proprietary surgical methodologies and precision protocols pioneered by our senior directors to minimize trauma, protect natural anatomy, and accelerate recovery.

Dr. Deepak Garg (Orthopaedic Surgical Oncology - RGCI Delhi Trained) and Dr. Neha Gupta (Medical Oncology) co-lead the Bone Cancer & Sarcoma Center at Spica Healthcare. Integrating intensive multi-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols (MAP: High-Dose Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin for Osteosarcoma; VIDE: Vincristine, Ifosfamide, Doxorubicin, Etoposide for Ewing Sarcoma) with 3D computer-navigated limb salvage surgery and modular titanium megaprosthetic joint reconstruction, 5-year survival rates exceed 75% to 80% while saving over 95% of patients from limb amputation.
Spica Healthcare — Bone and Cancer Institute, Bathinda — is South-Western Punjab's premier super-speciality centre led by AIIMS and Tata Memorial fellowship-trained directors.
Every diagnostic MRI review, surgical staging, and operation is personally directed by chief clinical specialists — Dr. Deepak Garg (Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotics) and Dr. Neha Gupta (Medical Oncology) — guaranteeing zero junior proxies.
Sub-millimeter implant positioning and soft-tissue ligament balancing ensuring patients walk comfortably within 24 hours of total knee replacement.
South-West Punjab's only dedicated centre for modular titanium megaprosthesis, saving natural limbs and functions in 95%+ of bone cancer patients.
Full cashless coverage for Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), Punjab Govt Health Schemes, ECHS, and 30+ private insurance networks with on-desk approvals.
Positive-pressure HEPA filtered theatres minimizing infection rates below international benchmarks with 24/7 dedicated critical care backup.
Fellowship-trained surgical directors from AIIMS & Tata Memorial providing compassionate, world-class tertiary care in super-speciality orthopaedics and medical oncology.

Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Medical Oncology
MBBS (BFUHS Faridkot), MD Radiation Oncology (BFUHS Faridkot), DrNB Medical Oncology (Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad), Precision Oncology (Harvard, USA), Ex Consultant RGCI New Delhi


Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotic Joint Surgery
16+ Yrs ExpSenior Consultant & Clinical Director — Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotic Joint Surgery
MBBS (TNMC Mumbai), DNB Orthopaedics (PGI & SP Miraj), Fellowship Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy (Fortis Hospital, New Delhi), Fellowship Orthopaedic Oncology (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi)
Free OPD screening camps, director-led masterclasses, and national oncology representations by Spica Healthcare.
Real stories from patients who recovered through limb preservation surgery, 3D robotic joint replacements, and precision cancer care at Spica Healthcare — Grover Hospital, Bathinda.
Evidence-based surgical recovery roadmaps, robotic joint protocols, and precision oncology insights written by our clinical directors.