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GI

HPB

Colorectal

CME

ctDNA in GI Surgical Oncology – Game Changer or Prognostic Gimmick?

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM MST
Location:101A-C
CE: 1.5

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging biomarker in gastrointestinal cancers that provides insight into minimal residual disease and risk of recurrence. While its prognostic value is increasingly supported by observational studies, its role in guiding treatment decisions remains unclear. This session will examine the current role of ctDNA in the surgical management of gastrointestinal cancers, whether it can and should inform surgical decision-making or whether it remains a biologic marker for prognostication, and when it should be obtained.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyze the current evidence supporting ctDNA use in GI malignancies and its prognostic versus clinical role.
  • Critically appraise ongoing clinical trials and emerging data to determine the potential clinical applications and limitations of ctDNA for GI malignancies.
  • Develop practical strategies for incorporating ctDNA into multidisciplinary discussions, surgical decision-making, and future research protocols in GI malignancies.

Presentations:

  • 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM MST
    Clinical Implications of ctDNA in Colorectal Cancer

    Faculty: Colin M. Court, MD, PhD (he/him/his) – University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre

  • 10:50 AM - 11:05 AM MST
    Clinical Implications of ctDNA in Gastric Cancer

    Faculty: Fahima Dossa, MD PhD – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  • 11:05 AM - 11:20 AM MST
    Clinical Implications of ctDNA in Cholangiocarcinoma

    Faculty: Flavio G. Rocha, MD, FACS, FSSO (he/him/his) – Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Knight Cancer Institute

  • 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM MST
    Wrapping up ctDNA – Where are we at Now?

    Faculty: Rachna T. Shroff, MD (she/her/hers) – University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson (UA COM-T)

  • 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM MST
    Q&A