In this on‑demand video, GI medical oncologist John Strickler, MD (Duke Cancer Institute) reviews how ctDNA and molecular residual disease (MRD) testing are being used today in colorectal cancer care. He explains what these tests measure, how they differ from traditional markers like CEA, and why they are not yet part of national guidelines even though many clinicians now use them in practice.
Dr. Strickler also answers common patient questions about when MRD testing might be helpful, how often it is performed, what positive and negative results can mean for recurrence risk, and why it is essential to have a plan with your oncologist before ordering any ctDNA test.
This program is designed to help you better understand ctDNA tests so you can participate more confidently in shared decision‑making about colorectal cancer treatment and surveillance.
About Dr Strickler
John Strickler, MD, is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Duke University whose clinical and research work focuses on precision medicine for colorectal and other GI cancers, including the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and molecular residual disease (MRD) testing to guide care. He serves as a Professor of Medicine and a leader in Duke’s Precision Cancer Medicine and Investigational Therapeutics Program, where he helps design and run clinical trials that use ctDNA and other biomarkers to detect recurrence earlier and match patients with targeted and immunotherapy treatments.
This program is supported by the Personalized Medicine Foundation, Omni Oncology and Natera.
