Cell-free DNA Screening and Maternal Cancer

This editorial discusses the evolving role of cell free DNA (cfDNA) screening in the incidental detection of maternal cancer during pregnancy. The author revisits a 2013 case of metastatic cancer diagnosed after cfDNA results flagged multiple aneuploidies inconsistent with a viable fetus. Since then, growing evidence, including a recent study by Turriff et al., shows cfDNA tests can reveal maternal malignancies, especially lymphomas. The editorial underscores the need for clinical guidelines, interdisciplinary care, laboratory reporting standards, and access to whole body MRI to support appropriate diagnosis and management of pregnant patients whose cfDNA results suggest possible cancer.

This editorial discusses the evolving role of cell free DNA (cfDNA) screening in the incidental detection of maternal cancer during pregnancy. The author revisits a 2013 case of metastatic cancer diagnosed after cfDNA results flagged multiple aneuploidies inconsistent with a viable fetus. Since then, growing evidence, including a recent study by Turriff et al., shows cfDNA tests can reveal maternal malignancies, especially lymphomas. The editorial underscores the need for clinical guidelines, interdisciplinary care, laboratory reporting standards, and access to whole body MRI to support appropriate diagnosis and management of pregnant patients whose cfDNA results suggest possible cancer.