Figure 1: Schematic of next-generation sequencing and ctDNA analyses.

Next-generation sequencing analyses were performed for tumour specimens obtained from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients using either whole-exome or targeted analyses focused on 116 genes. Genomic alterations were evaluated for potential clinical utility or as prognostic indicators. Somatic mutations identified through genomic analyses were used to evaluate patient plasma for detection of ctDNA at the time of diagnosis or after surgical intervention.