The detection of genetic mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has long been a critical challenge in cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Traditional methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing have limitations in sensitivity and accuracy, especially when dealing with minute quantities of genetic material or distinguishing single-base mutations. These constraints have hampered early cancer detection and the development of targeted therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters by disrupting routine cancer screenings, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially worse outcomes for patients.
