Integrated analysis of circulating cell free nucleic acids for cancer genotyping and immune phenotyping of tumor microenvironment.

The circulating cell-free nucleic acids (ccfNAs) consist of a heterogenous cocktail of both single (ssNA) and double-stranded (dsNA) nucleic acids. These ccfNAs are secreted into the blood circulation by both healthy and malignant cells various mechanisms including apoptosis, necrosis, and active secretion. The major source of ccfNAs are the cells of hematopoietic system under healthy conditions.