Clear and standardized terminology is essential for the effective communication and adoption of emerging technologies. To address this need in the field of liquid biopsy, The Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BLOODPAC) Consortium has developed a comprehensive lexicon for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based molecular residual disease (MRD) testing.

Founded in 2016, BLOODPAC fosters collaboration among industry leaders, academic researchers, regulatory agencies, and clinical practitioners to accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of liquid biopsy tests. The BLOODPAC MRD lexicon provides a common framework of terms for experts and stakeholders developing these tests.

The lexicon is structured into four key categories:

• General Terminology – Defines foundational concepts, including molecular residual disease (MRD) and key factors influencing MRD analysis.
• Approaches for MRD Detection – Describes current ctDNA detection methods, including tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic strategies, as well as single-omic and multi-omic approaches.
• Reporting Results – Establishes standardized terms for differentiating liquid biopsy assays and describing ctDNA detection.
• Sample Acquisition Timepoints – Clarifies nomenclature related to sample collection and the implications of ctDNA levels during treatment.

As liquid biopsy technologies evolve, a shared language will be critical to translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice. The MRD lexicon represents a crucial step toward greater alignment, efficiency, and impact in liquid biopsy research and patient care. BLOODPAC will continue to monitor feedback and update the lexicon to reflect advances in the field, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for the broader liquid biopsy community.

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