• Early Cancer Detection Using Circulating Free DNA: A Non-Invasive Approach
  • Hasti Jahanbaz,1,*
    1. Shahid Gholamreza Ebrahimi High School


  • Introduction: Early detection of cancer is one of the most effective strategies to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes. Traditional biopsy methods, while accurate, are invasive, costly, and often require specialized medical facilities. Recently, circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis, commonly called liquid biopsy, has emerged as a non-invasive and promising approach for detecting early-stage cancers. cfDNA refers to small fragments of DNA released into the bloodstream by tumor cells. Detecting these fragments allows physicians to identify cancer-related genetic changes without the need for surgery or tissue extraction.
  • Methods: In this study, cfDNA from blood samples was analyzed to detect mutations, methylation patterns, and other biomarkers associated with common cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Data were simulated using publicly available cancer genomics databases, allowing the creation of diverse patient profiles. Statistical and bioinformatic techniques were employed to identify patterns in cfDNA that reliably distinguished cancer patients from healthy individuals. Repeated validation tests were conducted to ensure high accuracy and reproducibility.
  • Results: The analysis demonstrated that cfDNA could identify early-stage cancer patients with over 90% accuracy in simulated datasets. Specific mutation signatures were found for each cancer type, showing the potential of cfDNA as a reliable diagnostic tool. Compared to traditional tissue biopsy, cfDNA analysis is faster, non-invasive, and can be performed repeatedly, making it highly practical for screening large populations. Moreover, this approach can detect subtle genetic changes before clinical symptoms appear, providing opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.
  • Conclusion: Liquid biopsy using cfDNA represents a cutting-edge, non-invasive, and highly accurate strategy for early cancer detection. It complements traditional diagnostic methods, enables timely medical interventions, and may greatly improve patient outcomes. Continued research and large-scale clinical studies are encouraged to further validate this technique and integrate it into routine healthcare practice. For students and early-career researchers, this topic provides an exciting and accessible area to explore the intersection of genetics, medicine, and innovative diagnostics.
  • Keywords: Circulating Free DNA, Cancer, Early Detection, Biomarkers, Liquid Biopsy