Alexandra Drakaki, MD, PhD, presented “Role of CtDNA in Bladder Cancer” at the 7th International Bladder Cancer Update on December 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.
How to cite: Drakaki, Alexandra. “Role of CtDNA in Bladder Cancer” December 2024. Accessed Mar 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/role-of-ct-dna-in-bladder-cancer/
Role of CtDNA in Bladder Cancer – Summary
Alexandra Drakaki, MD, PhD, explores the evolving role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in bladder cancer, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for early detection, treatment monitoring, and prognosis. In this 11-minute presentation, she shows that ctDNA undergoes rapid clearance, making the timing of testing critical for accurate interpretation. In addition, Drakaki shares, different platforms assess methylation, RNA, and DNA, yet the clinical relevance of these methodologies remains an area of active investigation.
Dr. Drakaki references trials demonstrating a strong correlation between ctDNA and response to neoadjuvant therapy, emphasizing its potential role in guiding treatment decisions. However, the negative predictive value of ctDNA remains a challenge. The MODERN trial further investigates whether ctDNA-guided treatment escalation can improve outcomes, particularly through intensified immunotherapy.
Key questions remain regarding the implications of early detection, potential overtreatment, and the optimal duration of therapy in patients achieving ctDNA clearance. Advances in AI and technology may refine ctDNA platforms, enabling more precise risk stratification and individualized treatment strategies.
About the 7th International Bladder Cancer Update:
The International Bladder Cancer Update (IBCU) is a CME conference focused on the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. The conference offers medical professionals an opportunity to listen to updates from, and interact with, expert international faculty to improve knowledge and determine best treatment practices to improve patient outcomes. IBCU encompasses expert lectures, interactive discussions, a panel roundtable, debates, and case presentations. It is physician-led, multi-supported, and designed for urologists, urologic oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of bladder cancer.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandra Drakaki, MD, PhD, received her training in Internal Medicine at a Tuft's University affiliate program while she completed her Hematology / Oncology training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School and her research fellowship at Dana Farber Cancer Center Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Drakaki is currently an associate professor of Hematology/Oncology and Urology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Drakaki specializes in Genitourinary cancers and specifically cancers of the Bladder, Kidney, Prostate and Testicles. She is the Primary Investigator in therapeutic clinical trials as well as the Lead investigator at a national level in studies that are testing novel drugs. Her research interest is studying the role of a class of genes, named non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and linkRNAs in genitourinary malignancies. Dr. Drakaki also has a special interest in studying and understanding the mechanism of drug related toxicity with the goal to find combinations of medications that reverse/prevent toxicity without stopping effective therapies.
Dr. Drakaki is part of the Translational Oncology Research Laboratory of the globally renowned Dr. Slamon, in which researchers are working on drug development by using novel technologies for breakthrough discoveries to treat cancer.
