Bridging the Gap: From Molecular Residual Disease to Curative Opportunity: Circulating Tumor DNA–Guided Surveillance After Curative Resection for Stage I to III Colorectal Cancer

This Journal of Clinical Oncology ahead-of-print article discusses the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a surveillance tool for detecting molecular residual disease (MRD) after curative-intent surgery for stage I–III colorectal cancer. The review-style title ("Bridging the Gap") suggests a perspective or narrative synthesis rather than primary trial data, framing ctDNA-guided monitoring as a bridge between detecting minimal residual disease and timely escalation or de-escalation of adjuvant therapy. The piece addresses an increasingly important clinical question as multiple randomized trials (e.g., DYNAMIC, CIRCULATE) are maturing in this space.