Researchers at Volga Research Medical University have been pioneering a method to detect minimal residual disease and early tumor recurrence in cancer patients. The approach is currently undergoing trials in colorectal cancer, melanoma, and lung adenocarcinoma, according to information released by the program Priority 2030 through the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.
The breakthrough holds promise for identifying tiny amounts of cancer cells that remain after treatment, as well as potential relapse even when no obvious source of uncontrolled cell growth is present. In cases without a clearly defined driver mutation, the method relies on DNA analysis of tumor material to search for recurrent genetic alterations that could signal residual disease.
Leading the department, the head of Oncology, Radiation Therapy and Radiation Diagnostics is Professor Anna Maslennikova Yakhontova, a distinguished researcher in the field. Her team is coordinating efforts to translate the laboratory technique into a practical clinical workflow that can guide individualized patient care after surgical intervention.
According to the project plan, the anticipated outcome is a comprehensive treatment program tailored to each patient after tumor removal. The program is designed to be implemented by February 2024, with an emphasis on integrating molecular findings into post-surgical decision-making and long-term monitoring.
So far, scientists have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method to reliably obtain sufficient tumor DNA from samples, coupled with DNA sequencing techniques to identify driver mutations from blood or tissue. This combination enables a more precise assessment of residual disease status and informs the next steps in therapy, whether that means adjuvant treatment, closer follow-up, or additional diagnostic testing.
The research is conducted within the framework of the strategic project Basic Oncology: From Experiment to Clinic, part of the national initiative Science and Universities under Priority-2030. These programs aim to strengthen translational research, accelerate the journey from bench to bedside, and boost collaboration between universities, research institutes, and healthcare providers in Russia.
In the broader landscape of cancer care, the development of sensitive residual disease detection tools complements existing imaging and biopsy technologies. By capturing molecular signals that escape conventional monitoring, clinicians gain a more complete view of how a patient is responding to treatment and what risks remain. This can lead to earlier interventions, better risk stratification, and more personalized follow-up plans that reflect the biology of each patient’s cancer.
One of the key challenges in this work is ensuring that the methods are robust across diverse tumor types and patient populations. The researchers are actively validating the approach in colorectal cancer, melanoma, and lung adenocarcinoma, with attention to variability in tumor DNA shedding, sampling timing, and assay sensitivity. The ultimate goal is to establish standardized protocols that can be adopted in clinical laboratories, enabling consistent results and reliable decision-making in real-world settings.
As this line of inquiry progresses, its potential impact on clinical practice becomes clearer. Physicians may soon be able to decide with greater confidence whether a patient should receive additional therapy after surgery, or whether careful observation is sufficient. The evolution of such molecular surveillance tools aligns with a broader shift toward precision oncology, where treatments and monitoring strategies are matched to the unique genetic and molecular profile of each tumor.
Overall, the ongoing work at Volga Research Medical University represents an important step toward more effective post-operative management of cancer. By combining PCR-based DNA enrichment with sequencing for driver mutations, the project seeks to deliver actionable insights that improve patient outcomes. The collaboration under Priority-2030 and the national science initiative underscores a commitment to turning laboratory discoveries into practical clinical benefits, ultimately helping clinicians reduce relapse risk and extend survival for those facing cancer.
Additional context for readers can be found in the broader goals of the Priority-2030 program, which supports translational research and the integration of scientific breakthroughs into daily medical practice. The emphasis on bridging experiments with clinical care reflects a growing trend in oncology to harness molecular information for more precise, timely, and effective treatment strategies. Marked citations to program reports and institutional updates provide attribution for these developments and help situate them within the ongoing efforts to advance cancer care in Russia.