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• APA Style 7th edition
• How to write and format an APA abstract

APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024.

An APA abstract is a comprehensive summary of your paper in which you briefly address the research problem , hypotheses , methods , results , and implications of your research. It’s placed on a separate page right after the title page and is usually no longer than 250 words.

Most professional papers that are submitted for publication require an abstract. Student papers typically don’t need an abstract, unless instructed otherwise.

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Table of contents

How to format the abstract, how to write an apa abstract, which keywords to use, frequently asked questions, apa abstract example.

Formatting instructions

Follow these five steps to format your abstract in APA Style:

• Insert a running head (for a professional paper—not needed for a student paper) and page number.
• Set page margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm).
• Write “Abstract” (bold and centered) at the top of the page.
• Do not indent the first line.
• Double-space the text.
• Use a legible font like Times New Roman (12 pt.).
• Limit the length to 250 words.
• Indent the first line 0.5 inches.
• Write the label “Keywords:” (italicized).
• Write keywords in lowercase letters.
• Separate keywords with commas.
• Do not use a period after the keywords.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

The abstract is a self-contained piece of text that informs the reader what your research is about. It’s best to write the abstract after you’re finished with the rest of your paper.

The questions below may help structure your abstract. Try answering them in one to three sentences each.

• What is the problem? Outline the objective, research questions , and/or hypotheses .
• What has been done? Explain your research methods .
• What did you discover? Summarize the key findings and conclusions .
• What do the findings mean? Summarize the discussion and recommendations .

Check out our guide on how to write an abstract for more guidance and an annotated example.

Guide: writing an abstract

At the end of the abstract, you may include a few keywords that will be used for indexing if your paper is published on a database. Listing your keywords will help other researchers find your work.

Choosing relevant keywords is essential. Try to identify keywords that address your topic, method, or population. APA recommends including three to five keywords.

An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

• To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
• To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarizes the contents of your paper.

An APA abstract is around 150–250 words long. However, always check your target journal’s guidelines and don’t exceed the specified word count.

In an APA Style paper , the abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page (page 2).

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

• The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
• The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

Cite this Scribbr article

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Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-abstract/

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• Current Students

The Dissertation Abstract: 101

How to write a clear & concise abstract (with examples).

By:   Madeline Fink (MSc) Reviewed By: Derek Jansen (MBA)   | June 2020

So, you’ve (finally) finished your thesis or dissertation or thesis. Now it’s time to write up your abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary). If you’re here, chances are you’re not quite sure what you need to cover in this section, or how to go about writing it. Fear not – we’ll explain it all in plain language , step by step , with clear examples .

Overview: The Dissertation/Thesis Abstract

• What exactly is a dissertation (or thesis) abstract
• What’s the purpose and function of the abstract
• Why is the abstract so important
• How to write a high-quality dissertation abstract
• Example/sample of a quality abstract
• Quick tips to write a high-quality dissertation abstract

What is an abstract?

Simply put, the abstract in a dissertation or thesis is a short (but well structured) summary that outlines the most important points of your research (i.e. the key takeaways). The abstract is usually 1 paragraph or about 300-500 words long (about one page), but but this can vary between universities.

A quick note regarding terminology – strictly speaking, an abstract and an executive summary are two different things when it comes to academic publications. Typically, an abstract only states what the research will be about, but doesn’t explore the findings – whereas an executive summary covers both . However, in the context of a dissertation or thesis, the abstract usually covers both, providing a summary of the full project.

In terms of content, a good dissertation abstract usually covers the following points:

• The purpose of the research (what’s it about and why’s that important)
• The methodology (how you carried out the research)
• The key research findings (what answers you found)
• The implications of these findings (what these answers mean)

We’ll explain each of these in more detail a little later in this post. Buckle up.

What’s the purpose of the abstract?

A dissertation abstract has two main functions:

The first purpose is to  inform potential readers  of the main idea of your research without them having to read your entire piece of work. Specifically, it needs to communicate what your research is about (what were you trying to find out) and what your findings were . When readers are deciding whether to read your dissertation or thesis, the abstract is the first part they’ll consider. 

The second purpose of the abstract is to  inform search engines and dissertation databases  as they index your dissertation or thesis. The keywords and phrases in your abstract (as well as your keyword list) will often be used by these search engines to categorize your work and make it accessible to users. 

Simply put, your abstract is your shopfront display window – it’s what passers-by (both human and digital) will look at before deciding to step inside. 

Why’s it so important?

The short answer – because most people don’t have time to read your full dissertation or thesis! Time is money, after all…

If you think back to when you undertook your literature review , you’ll quickly realise just how important abstracts are! Researchers reviewing the literature on any given topic face a mountain of reading, so they need to optimise their approach. A good dissertation abstract gives the reader a “TLDR” version of your work – it helps them decide whether to continue to read it in its entirety. So, your abstract, as your shopfront display window, needs to “sell” your research to time-poor readers.

You might be thinking, “but I don’t plan to publish my dissertation”. Even so, you still need to provide an impactful abstract for your markers. Your ability to concisely summarise your work is one of the things they’re assessing, so it’s vital to invest time and effort into crafting an enticing shop window.  

A good abstract also has an added purpose for grad students . As a freshly minted graduate, your dissertation or thesis is often your most significant professional accomplishment and highlights where your unique expertise lies. Potential employers who want to know about this expertise are likely to only read the abstract (as opposed to reading your entire document) – so it needs to be good!

Think about it this way – if your thesis or dissertation were a book, then the abstract would be the blurb on the back cover. For better or worse, readers will absolutely judge your book by its cover .

How to write your abstract

As we touched on earlier, your abstract should cover four important aspects of your research: the purpose , methodology , findings , and implications . Therefore, the structure of your dissertation or thesis abstract needs to reflect these four essentials, in the same order.  Let’s take a closer look at each of them, step by step:

Step 1: Describe the purpose and value of your research

Here you need to concisely explain the purpose and value of your research. In other words, you need to explain what your research set out to discover and why that’s important. When stating the purpose of research, you need to clearly discuss the following:

• What were your research aims and research questions ?
• Why were these aims and questions important?

It’s essential to make this section extremely clear, concise and convincing . As the opening section, this is where you’ll “hook” your reader (marker) in and get them interested in your project. If you don’t put in the effort here, you’ll likely lose their interest.

Step 2: Briefly outline your study’s methodology

In this part of your abstract, you need to very briefly explain how you went about answering your research questions . In other words, what research design and methodology you adopted in your research. Some important questions to address here include:

• Did you take a qualitative or quantitative approach ?
• Who/what did your sample consist of?
• How did you collect your data?
• How did you analyse your data?

Simply put, this section needs to address the “ how ” of your research. It doesn’t need to be lengthy (this is just a summary, after all), but it should clearly address the four questions above.

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Step 3: Present your key findings

Next, you need to briefly highlight the key findings . Your research likely produced a wealth of data and findings, so there may be a temptation to ramble here. However, this section is just about the key findings – in other words, the answers to the original questions that you set out to address.

Again, brevity and clarity are important here. You need to concisely present the most important findings for your reader.

Step 4: Describe the implications of your research

Have you ever found yourself reading through a large report, struggling to figure out what all the findings mean in terms of the bigger picture? Well, that’s the purpose of the implications section – to highlight the “so what?” of your research. 

In this part of your abstract, you should address the following questions:

• What is the impact of your research findings on the industry /field investigated? In other words, what’s the impact on the “real world”. 
• What is the impact of your findings on the existing body of knowledge ? For example, do they support the existing research?
• What might your findings mean for future research conducted on your topic?

If you include these four essential ingredients in your dissertation abstract, you’ll be on headed in a good direction.

Example: Dissertation/thesis abstract

Here is an example of an abstract from a master’s thesis, with the purpose , methods , findings , and implications colour coded.

The U.S. citizenship application process is a legal and symbolic journey shaped by many cultural processes. This research project aims to bring to light the experiences of immigrants and citizenship applicants living in Dallas, Texas, to promote a better understanding of Dallas’ increasingly diverse population. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to provide insights to a specific client, the office of Dallas Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs, about Dallas’ lawful permanent residents who are eligible for citizenship and their reasons for pursuing citizenship status . The data for this project was collected through observation at various citizenship workshops and community events, as well as through semi-structured interviews with 14 U.S. citizenship applicants . Reasons for applying for U.S. citizenship discussed in this project include a desire for membership in U.S. society, access to better educational and economic opportunities, improved ease of travel and the desire to vote. Barriers to the citizenship process discussed in this project include the amount of time one must dedicate to the application, lack of clear knowledge about the process and the financial cost of the application. Other themes include the effects of capital on applicant’s experience with the citizenship process, symbolic meanings of citizenship, transnationalism and ideas of deserving and undeserving surrounding the issues of residency and U.S. citizenship. These findings indicate the need for educational resources and mentorship for Dallas-area residents applying for U.S. citizenship, as well as a need for local government programs that foster a sense of community among citizenship applicants and their neighbours.

Practical tips for writing your abstract

When crafting the abstract for your dissertation or thesis, the most powerful technique you can use is to try and put yourself in the shoes of a potential reader. Assume the reader is not an expert in the field, but is interested in the research area. In other words, write for the intelligent layman, not for the seasoned topic expert. 

Start by trying to answer the question “why should I read this dissertation?”

Remember the WWHS.

Make sure you include the  what , why ,  how , and  so what  of your research in your abstract:

• What you studied (who and where are included in this part)
• Why the topic was important
• How you designed your study (i.e. your research methodology)
• So what were the big findings and implications of your research

Keep it simple.

Use terminology appropriate to your field of study, but don’t overload your abstract with big words and jargon that cloud the meaning and make your writing difficult to digest. A good abstract should appeal to all levels of potential readers and should be a (relatively) easy read. Remember, you need to write for the intelligent layman.

Be specific.

When writing your abstract, clearly outline your most important findings and insights and don’t worry about “giving away” too much about your research – there’s no need to withhold information. This is the one way your abstract is not like a blurb on the back of a book – the reader should be able to clearly understand the key takeaways of your thesis or dissertation after reading the abstract. Of course, if they then want more detail, they need to step into the restaurant and try out the menu.

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20 Comments

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• How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis
• Doing a PhD

What is a Thesis or Dissertation Abstract?

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines an abstract in academic writing as being “ a few sentences that give the main ideas in an article or a scientific paper ” and the Collins English Dictionary says “ an abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it ”.

Whether you’re writing up your Master’s dissertation or PhD thesis, the abstract will be a key element of this document that you’ll want to make sure you give proper attention to.

What is the Purpose of an Abstract?

The aim of a thesis abstract is to give the reader a broad overview of what your research project was about and what you found that was novel, before he or she decides to read the entire thesis. The reality here though is that very few people will read the entire thesis, and not because they’re necessarily disinterested but because practically it’s too large a document for most people to have the time to read. The exception to this is your PhD examiner, however know that even they may not read the entire length of the document.

Some people may still skip to and read specific sections throughout your thesis such as the methodology, but the fact is that the abstract will be all that most read and will therefore be the section they base their opinions about your research on. In short, make sure you write a good, well-structured abstract.

How Long Should an Abstract Be?

If you’re a PhD student, having written your 100,000-word thesis, the abstract will be the 300 word summary included at the start of the thesis that succinctly explains the motivation for your study (i.e. why this research was needed), the main work you did (i.e. the focus of each chapter), what you found (the results) and concluding with how your research study contributed to new knowledge within your field.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States of America, once famously said:

The point here is that it’s easier to talk open-endedly about a subject that you know a lot about than it is to condense the key points into a 10-minute speech; the same applies for an abstract. Three hundred words is not a lot of words which makes it even more difficult to condense three (or more) years of research into a coherent, interesting story.

What Makes a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

Whilst the abstract is one of the first sections in your PhD thesis, practically it’s probably the last aspect that you’ll ending up writing before sending the document to print. The reason being that you can’t write a summary about what you did, what you found and what it means until you’ve done the work.

A good abstract is one that can clearly explain to the reader in 300 words:

• What your research field actually is,
• What the gap in knowledge was in your field,
• The overarching aim and objectives of your PhD in response to these gaps,
• What methods you employed to achieve these,
• You key results and findings,
• How your work has added to further knowledge in your field of study.

Another way to think of this structure is:

• Introduction,
• Aims and objectives,
• Discussion,
• Conclusion.

Following this ‘formulaic’ approach to writing the abstract should hopefully make it a little easier to write but you can already see here that there’s a lot of information to convey in a very limited number of words.

How Do You Write a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

The biggest challenge you’ll have is getting all the 6 points mentioned above across in your abstract within the limit of 300 words . Your particular university may give some leeway in going a few words over this but it’s good practice to keep within this; the art of succinctly getting your information across is an important skill for a researcher to have and one that you’ll be called on to use regularly as you write papers for peer review.

Keep It Concise

Every word in the abstract is important so make sure you focus on only the key elements of your research and the main outcomes and significance of your project that you want the reader to know about. You may have come across incidental findings during your research which could be interesting to discuss but this should not happen in the abstract as you simply don’t have enough words. Furthermore, make sure everything you talk about in your thesis is actually described in the main thesis.

Make a Unique Point Each Sentence

Keep the sentences short and to the point. Each sentence should give the reader new, useful information about your research so there’s no need to write out your project title again. Give yourself one or two sentences to introduce your subject area and set the context for your project. Then another sentence or two to explain the gap in the knowledge; there’s no need or expectation for you to include references in the abstract.

Explain Your Research

Some people prefer to write their overarching aim whilst others set out their research questions as they correspond to the structure of their thesis chapters; the approach you use is up to you, as long as the reader can understand what your dissertation or thesis had set out to achieve. Knowing this will help the reader better understand if your results help to answer the research questions or if further work is needed.

Keep It Factual

Keep the content of the abstract factual; that is to say that you should avoid bringing too much or any opinion into it, which inevitably can make the writing seem vague in the points you’re trying to get across and even lacking in structure.

Write, Edit and Then Rewrite

Spend suitable time editing your text, and if necessary, completely re-writing it. Show the abstract to others and ask them to explain what they understand about your research – are they able to explain back to you each of the 6 structure points, including why your project was needed, the research questions and results, and the impact it had on your research field? It’s important that you’re able to convey what new knowledge you contributed to your field but be mindful when writing your abstract that you don’t inadvertently overstate the conclusions, impact and significance of your work.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

Perhaps the best way to understand how to write a thesis abstract is to look at examples of what makes a good and bad abstract.

Example of A Bad Abstract

Let’s start with an example of a bad thesis abstract:

In this project on “The Analysis of the Structural Integrity of 3D Printed Polymers for use in Aircraft”, my research looked at how 3D printing of materials can help the aviation industry in the manufacture of planes. Plane parts can be made at a lower cost using 3D printing and made lighter than traditional components. This project investigated the structural integrity of EBM manufactured components, which could revolutionise the aviation industry.

What Makes This a Bad Abstract

Hopefully you’ll have spotted some of the reasons this would be considered a poor abstract, not least because the author used up valuable words by repeating the lengthy title of the project in the abstract.

Working through our checklist of the 6 key points you want to convey to the reader:

• There has been an attempt to introduce the research area , albeit half-way through the abstract but it’s not clear if this is a materials science project about 3D printing or is it about aircraft design.
• There’s no explanation about where the gap in the knowledge is that this project attempted to address.
• We can see that this project was focussed on the topic of structural integrity of materials in aircraft but the actual research aims or objectives haven’t been defined.
• There’s no mention at all of what the author actually did to investigate structural integrity. For example was this an experimental study involving real aircraft, or something in the lab, computer simulations etc.
• The author also doesn’t tell us a single result of his research, let alone the key findings !
• There’s a bold claim in the last sentence of the abstract that this project could revolutionise the aviation industry, and this may well be the case, but based on the abstract alone there is no evidence to support this as it’s not even clear what the author did .

This is an extreme example but is a good way to illustrate just how unhelpful a poorly written abstract can be. At only 71 words long, it definitely hasn’t maximised the amount of information that could be presented and the what they have presented has lacked clarity and structure.

A final point to note is the use of the EBM acronym, which stands for Electron Beam Melting in the context of 3D printing; this is a niche acronym for the author to assume that the reader would know the meaning of. It’s best to avoid acronyms in your abstract all together even if it’s something that you might expect most people to know about, unless you specifically define the meaning first.

Example of A Good Abstract

Having seen an example of a bad thesis abstract, now lets look at an example of a good PhD thesis abstract written about the same (fictional) project:

Additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys has the potential to enable cheaper and lighter components to be produced with customised designs for use in aircraft engines. Whilst the proof-of-concept of these have been promising, the structural integrity of AM engine parts in response to full thrust and temperature variations is not clear.

The primary aim of this project was to determine the fracture modes and mechanisms of AM components designed for use in Boeing 747 engines. To achieve this an explicit finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the environment and parameters that the engine is exposed to during flight. The FE model was validated using experimental data replicating the environmental parameters in a laboratory setting using ten AM engine components provided by the industry sponsor. The validated FE model was then used to investigate the extent of crack initiation and propagation as the environment parameters were adjusted.

This project was the first to investigate fracture patterns in AM titanium components used in aircraft engines; the key finding was that the presence of cavities within the structures due to errors in the printing process, significantly increased the risk of fracture. Secondly, the simulations showed that cracks formed within AM parts were more likely to worsen and lead to component failure at subzero temperatures when compared to conventionally manufactured parts. This has demonstrated an important safety concern which needs to be addressed before AM parts can be used in commercial aircraft.

What Makes This a Good Abstract

Having read this ‘good abstract’ you should have a much better understand about what the subject area is about, where the gap in the knowledge was, the aim of the project, the methods that were used, key results and finally the significance of these results. To break these points down further, from this good abstract we now know that:

• The research area is around additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) of materials for use in aircraft.
• The gap in knowledge was how these materials will behave structural when used in aircraft engines.
• The aim was specifically to investigate how the components can fracture.
• The methods used to investigate this were a combination of computational and lab based experimental modelling.
• The key findings were the increased risk of fracture of these components due to the way they are manufactured.
• The significance of these findings were that it showed a potential risk of component failure that could comprise the safety of passengers and crew on the aircraft.

The abstract text has a much clearer flow through these different points in how it’s written and has made much better use of the available word count. Acronyms have even been used twice in this good abstract but they were clearly defined the first time they were introduced in the text so that there was no confusion about their meaning.

The abstract you write for your dissertation or thesis should succinctly explain to the reader why the work of your research was needed, what you did, what you found and what it means. Most people that come across your thesis, including any future employers, are likely to read only your abstract. Even just for this reason alone, it’s so important that you write the best abstract you can; this will not only convey your research effectively but also put you in the best light possible as a researcher.

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Writing an abstract - a six point checklist (with samples)

Posted in: abstract , dissertations

The abstract is a vital part of any research paper. It is the shop front for your work, and the first stop for your reader. It should provide a clear and succinct summary of your study, and encourage your readers to read more. An effective abstract, therefore should answer the following questions:

• Why did you do this study or project?
• What did you do and how?
• What did you find?
• What do your findings mean?

So here's our run down of the key elements of a well-written abstract.

• Size - A succinct and well written abstract should be between approximately 100- 250 words.
• Background - An effective abstract usually includes some scene-setting information which might include what is already known about the subject, related to the paper in question (a few short sentences).
• Purpose  - The abstract should also set out the purpose of your research, in other words, what is not known about the subject and hence what the study intended to examine (or what the paper seeks to present).
• Methods - The methods section should contain enough information to enable the reader to understand what was done, and how. It should include brief details of the research design, sample size, duration of study, and so on.
• Results - The results section is the most important part of the abstract. This is because readers who skim an abstract do so to learn about the findings of the study. The results section should therefore contain as much detail about the findings as the journal word count permits.
• Conclusion - This section should contain the most important take-home message of the study, expressed in a few precisely worded sentences. Usually, the finding highlighted here relates to the primary outcomes of the study. However, other important or unexpected findings should also be mentioned. It is also customary, but not essential, to express an opinion about the theoretical or practical implications of the findings, or the importance of their findings for the field. Thus, the conclusions may contain three elements:
• The primary take-home message.
• Any additional findings of importance.
• Implications for future studies.

Example Abstract 2: Engineering Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone.

Abstract from: Dalstra, M., Huiskes, R. and Van Erning, L., 1995. Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 117(3), pp.272-278.

And finally...  A word on abstract types and styles

Abstract types can differ according to subject discipline. You need to determine therefore which type of abstract you should include with your paper. Here are two of the most common types with examples.

Informative Abstract

The majority of abstracts are informative. While they still do not critique or evaluate a work, they do more than describe it. A good informative abstract acts as a surrogate for the work itself. That is, the researcher presents and explains all the main arguments and the important results and evidence in the paper. An informative abstract includes the information that can be found in a descriptive abstract [purpose, methods, scope] but it also includes the results and conclusions of the research and the recommendations of the author. The length varies according to discipline, but an informative abstract is usually no more than 300 words in length.

Descriptive Abstract A descriptive abstract indicates the type of information found in the work. It makes no judgements about the work, nor does it provide results or conclusions of the research. It does incorporate key words found in the text and may include the purpose, methods, and scope of the research. Essentially, the descriptive abstract only describes the work being summarised. Some researchers consider it an outline of the work, rather than a summary. Descriptive abstracts are usually very short, 100 words or less.

Adapted from Andrade C. How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;53(2):172-5. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.82558. PMID: 21772657; PMCID: PMC3136027 .

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How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis: Guide & Examples

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A dissertation abstract is a brief summary of a dissertation, typically between 150-300 words. It is a standalone piece of writing that gives the reader an overview of the main ideas and findings of the dissertation.

Generally, this section should include:

• Research problem and questions
• Research methodology
• Key findings and results
• Original contribution
• Practical or theoretical implications.

You need to write an excellent abstract for a dissertation or thesis, since it's the first thing a comitteee will review. Continue reading through to learn how to write a dissertation abstract. In this article, we will discuss its purpose, length, structure and writing steps. Moreover, for reference purposes, this article will include abstract examples for a dissertation and thesis and offer extra guidance on top of that.

In case you are in a hurry, feel free to buy dissertation from our professional writers. Our experts are qualified and have solid experience in writing Ph.D. academic works.

What Is a Dissertation Abstract?

Dissertation abstracts, by definition, are summaries of a thesis's content, usually between 200 and 300 words, used to inform readers about the contents of the study in a quick way. A thesis or dissertation abstract briefly overviews the entire thesis. Dissertation abstracts are found at the beginning of every study, providing the research recap, results, and conclusions. It usually goes right after your title page and before your dissertation table of contents . An abstract for a dissertation (alternatively called “précis” further in the article) should clearly state the main topic of your paper, its overall purpose, and any important research questions or findings. It should also contain any necessary keywords that direct readers to relevant information. In addition, it addresses any implications for further research that may stem from its field. Writing strong précis requires you to think carefully, as they are the critical components that attract readers to peruse your paper.

Purpose of a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The primary purpose of an abstract in a dissertation or thesis is to give readers a basic understanding of the completed work. Also, it should create an interest in the topic to motivate readers to read further. Writing an abstract for a dissertation is essential for many reasons: 

• Offers a summary and gives readers an overview of what they should expect from your study.
• Provides an opportunity to showcase the research done, highlighting its importance and impact.
• Identifies any unexplored research gaps to inform future studies and direct the current state of knowledge on the topic.

In general, an abstract of a thesis or a dissertation is a bridge between the research and potential readers.

What Makes a Good Abstract for a Dissertation?

Making a good dissertation abstract requires excellent organization and clarity of thought. Proper specimens must provide convincing arguments supporting your thesis. Writing an effective dissertation abstract requires students to be concise and write engagingly. Below is a list of things that makes it outstanding:

• Maintains clear and concise summary style
• Includes essential keywords for search engine optimization
• Accurately conveys the scope of the thesis
• Strictly adheres to the word count limit specified in your instructions
• Written from a third-person point of view
• Includes objectives, approach, and findings
• Uses simple language without jargon
• Avoids overgeneralized statements or vague claims.

How Long Should a Dissertation Abstract Be?

Abstracts should be long enough to convey the key points of every thesis, yet brief enough to capture readers' attention. A dissertation abstract length should typically be between 200-300 words, i.e., 1 page. But usually, length is indicated in the requirements. Remember that your primary goal here is to provide an engaging and informative thesis summary. Note that following the instructions and templates set forth by your university will ensure your thesis or dissertation abstract meets the writing criteria and adheres to all relevant standards.

Dissertation Abstract Structure

Dissertation abstracts can be organized in different ways and vary slightly depending on your work requirements. However, each abstract of a dissertation should incorporate elements like keywords, methods, results, and conclusions. The structure of a thesis or a dissertation abstract should account for the components included below:

• Title Accurately reflects the topic of your thesis.
• Introduction Provides an overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information.
• Methods/ Approach Gives an outline of the methods used to conduct your research.
• Results Summarizes your findings.
• Conclusions Provides an overview of your research's accomplishments and implications.
• Keywords Includes keywords that accurately describe your thesis.

Below is an example that shows how a dissertation abstract looks, how to structure it and where each part is located. Use this template to organize your own summary. 

Things to Consider Before Writing a Dissertation Abstract

There are several things you should do beforehand in order to write a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis. They include:

• Reviewing set requirements and making sure you clearly understand the expectations
• Reading other research works to get an idea of what to include in yours
• Writing a few drafts before submitting your final version, which will ensure that it's in the best state possible.

Write an Abstract for a Dissertation Last

Remember, it's advisable to write an abstract for a thesis paper or dissertation last. Even though it’s always located in the beginning of the work, nevertheless, it should be written last. This way, your summary will be more accurate because the main argument and conclusions are already known when the work is mostly finished - it is incomparably easier to write a dissertation abstract after completing your thesis. Additionally, you should write it last because the contents and scope of the thesis may have changed during the writing process. So, create your dissertation abstract as a last step to help ensure that it precisely reflects the content of your project.

Carefully Read Requirements

Writing dissertation abstracts requires careful attention to details and adherence to writing requirements. Refer to the rubric or guidelines that you were presented with to identify aspects to keep in mind and important elements, such as correct length and writing style, and then make sure to comprehensively include them. Careful consideration of these requirements ensures that your writing meets every criterion and standard provided by your supervisor to increase the chances that your master's thesis is accepted and approved.   

Choose the Right Type of Dissertation Abstracts

Before starting to write a dissertation or thesis abstract you should choose the appropriate type. Several options are available, and it is essential to pick one that best suits your dissertation's subject. Depending on their purpose, there exist 3 types of dissertation abstracts: 

• Informative
• Descriptive

Informative one offers readers a concise overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information. Additionally, this type includes brief summaries of all results and dissertation conclusions .  A descriptive abstract in a dissertation or thesis provides a quick overview of the research, but it doesn't incorporate any evaluation or analysis because it only offers a snapshot of the study and makes no claims.

Critical abstract gives readers an in-depth overview of the research and include an evaluative component. This means that this type also summarizes and analyzes research data, discusses implications, and makes claims about the achievements of your study. In addition, it examines the research data and recounts its implications. 

Choose the correct type of dissertation abstract to ensure that it meets your paper’s demands.

How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis?

Writing a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis is essential as it provides a brief overview of the completed research. So, how to write a dissertation abstract? First of all, the right approach is dictated by an institution's specific requirements. However, a basic structure should include the title, an introduction to your topic, research methodology, findings, and conclusions. Composing noteworthy precis allows you to flaunt your capabilities and grants readers a concise glimpse of the research. Doing this can make an immense impact on those reviewing your paper.

1. Identify the Purpose of Your Study

An abstract for thesis paper or dissertation is mainly dependent on the purpose of your study. Students need to identify all goals and objectives of their research before writing their précis - the reason being to ensure that the investigation’s progress and all its consequent findings are described simply and intelligibly. Additionally, one should provide some background information about their study. A short general description helps your reader acknowledge and connect with the research question. But don’t dive too deep into details, since more details are provided when writing a dissertation introduction . Scholars should write every dissertation abstract accurately and in a coherent way to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the area. This is the first section that potential readers will see, and it should serve as a precise overview of an entire document. Therefore, researchers writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation should do it with great care and attention to details.

2. Discuss Methodology

A writer needs to elaborate on their methodological approach in an abstract of PhD dissertation since it acts as a brief summary of a whole research and should include an explanation of all methods used there. Dissertation and thesis abstracts discuss the research methodology by providing information sufficient enough to understand the underlying research question, data collection methods, and approach employed. Additionally, they should explain the analysis or interpretation of the data. This will help readers to gain a much better understanding of the research process and allow them to evaluate the data quality. Mention whether your methodology is quantitative or qualitative since this information is essential for readers to grasp your study's context and scope. Additionally, comment on the sources used and any other evidence collected. Furthermore, explain why you chose the method in the first place. All in all, addressing methodology is a crucial part of writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation, as it will allow people to understand exactly how you arrived at your conclusions.

3. Describe the Key Results

Write your abstract for dissertation in a way that includes an overview of the research problem, your proposed solution, and any limitations or constraints you faced. Students need to briefly and clearly describe all key findings from the research. You must ensure that the results mentioned in an abstract of a thesis or dissertation are supported with evidence from body chapters.  Write about any crucial trends or patterns that emerged from the study. They should be discussed in detail, as this information can often provide valuable insight into your topic. Be sure to include any correlations or relationships found as a result of the study. Correlation, in this context, refers to any association between two or more variables.  Finally, write about any implications or conclusions drawn from your results: this is an essential element when writing an abstract for dissertation since it allows readers to firmly comprehend the study’s significance.

4. Summarize an Abstract for a Dissertation

Knowing how to write an abstract for dissertation is critical in conveying your work to a broad audience. Summarizing can be challenging (since precis is a summary in itself), but it is an essential part of any successful work. So, as a final step, conclude this section with a brief overview of the topic, outline the course of your research and its main results, and answer the paper’s central question.  Summarizing an abstract of your dissertation is done to give readers a succinct impression of the entire paper, making an accurate and concise overview of all its key points and consequent conclusions. In every PhD dissertation abstract , wrap up its summary by addressing any unanswered questions and discussing any potential implications of the research.

How to Format an Abstract in Dissertation

Format depends on the style (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago), which varies according to your subject's discipline. Style to use is usually mentioned in the instructions, and students should follow them closely to ensure formatting accuracy. These styles have guidelines that inform you about the formatting of titles, headings and subheadings, margins, page numbers, abstracts, and tell what font size and family or line spacing are required. Using a consistent formatting style ensures proper readability and might even influence paper’s overall structure. Another formatting concern to consider when writing dissertation and thesis abstracts is their layout. Most commonly, your paper should have a one-inch margin on all sides with double spacing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the right guidelines to get the correct information on how to write dissertation abstract in APA format and ensure that it meets formatting standards.

Keywords in a Dissertation Abstract

When writing thesis abstracts, it is essential to include keywords. Keywords are phrases or words that help readers identify main topics of your paper and make it easier for them to find any information they need. Keywords should usually be placed at the end of a dissertation abstract and written in italics. In addition, include keywords that represent your paper's primary research interests and topics. Lastly, use keywords throughout your thesis to ensure that your précis accurately reflect an entire paper's content.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

When writing, checking out thesis and dissertation abstracts examples from experts can provide a valuable reference point for structuring and formatting your own précis. When searching for an excellent sample template, engaging the assistance of a professional writer can be highly beneficial. Their expertise and knowledge offer helpful insight into creating an exemplary document that exceeds all expectations. Examples of dissertation abstracts from different topics are commonly available in scholarly journals and websites. We also encourage you to go and search your university or other local library catalogue -  multiple useful samples can surely be found there. From our part, we will attach 2 free examples for inspiration.

Dissertation abstract example

Thesis abstract example

Need a custom summary or a whole work? Contact StudyCrumb and get proficient assistance with PhD writing or dissertation proposal help .

Extra Tips on Writing a Dissertation Abstract

Writing a dissertation or PhD thesis abstract is not an easy task. You must ensure that it accurately reflects your paper's content. In this context, we will provide top-class tips on how to write an abstract in a dissertation or thesis for you to succeed. Combined with an example of a dissertation abstract above, you can rest assured that you'll do everything correctly. Below are extra tips on how to write a thesis abstract:

• Keep it concise, not lengthy - around 300 words.
• Focus on the “what”, “why”, “how”, and “so what” of your research.
• Be specific and concrete: avoid generalization.
• Use simple language: précis should be easy to understand for readers unfamiliar with your topic.
• Provide enough relevant information so your readers can grasp a main idea without necessarily reading your paper in its entirety.
• Write and edit your abstract several times until every sentence is clear and concise.
• Verify accuracy: make sure that précis reflect your content precisely.

Bottom Line on How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The bottom line when it comes to how to write a dissertation abstract is that you basically need to mirror your study's essence on a much lower scale. Specifically, students should keep their précis concise, use simple language, include relevant information, and write several drafts. Don't forget to review your précis and make sure they are precise enough. In addition, make sure to include all keywords so readers can find your paper quickly. You are encouraged to examine several sample dissertation abstracts to understand how to write your own.

Are you still struggling with your abstract? Contact our dissertation writing service and our qualified writers will gladly help you with this uneasy task. They will make sure it is delivered strictly on time and meets all requirements!  

FAQ About Dissertation Abstract Writing

1. why is a dissertation abstract important.

Dissertation abstracts are important because they give readers a brief overview of your research. They succinctly introduce critical information and study’s key points to help readers decide if reading your thesis is worth their time. During indexing, an abstract allows categorizing and filtering papers through keyword searches. Consequently, this helps readers to easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

2. When should I write an abstract for a dissertation or thesis?

You are supposed to write a dissertation or thesis abstract after completing research and finishing work on your paper. This way, you can write précis that accurately reflects all necessary information without missing any important details. Writing your thesis précis last also lets you provide the right keywords to help readers find your dissertation.

3. What should a dissertation abstract include?

A dissertation abstract should include a research problem, goals and objectives, methods, results, and study implications. Ensure that you incorporate enough information so readers can get an idea of your thesis's content without reading it through. Use relevant keywords to ensure readers can easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

4. How to write a strong dissertation abstract?

To write a strong abstract for a dissertation, you should state your research problem, write in an active voice, use simple language, and provide relevant information. Additionally, write and edit your précis several times until it is clear and concise, and verify that it accurately mirrors your paper’s content. Reviewing several samples is also helpful for understanding how to write your own.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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Abstract Writing

Ai generator.

Documents such as research papers, journal article, review, thesis, conference proceedings, etc. are lengthy and detailed, which causes it to be time-consuming and difficult to understand. In some cases, compositions like these that are still waiting for a committee’s approval are just impractical to be read entirely. For this reason, an abstract is truly an essential part of any educational paper. To know more about abstract writing, read through this article.

In the field of education alone, there are already several documents that need to include an abstract. A thesis paper for instance also requires an abstract. Thus, there is no need to doubt why there are numerous forms of abstracts. To give you a broader overview of these segments, here is a compilation of some samples and templates we prepared for you.

What is Abstract Writing? Abstract writing is the process of creating a concise and clear summary of a larger work, such as a research paper, thesis, dissertation, or scholarly article. The purpose of an abstract is to provide a brief overview of the main points, methods, results, and conclusions of the work, enabling readers to quickly determine its relevance to their interests or research needs. Abstracts are typically a single paragraph, ranging from about 150 to 250 words, depending on the guidelines of the publication or academic institution.

Abstract Writing Format

Clear and Descriptive: Reflects the main topic or findings of the work.

Introduction

Background: Brief context or background information leading to the research question or objective. Objective/Purpose: A statement of the main aim or research question addressed by the work.

Approach: A brief description of the research design, methods, and materials used. This section explains how the study was conducted but in a very condensed manner.

Findings: Key results or findings of the research, including data, trends, and any significant discoveries. This section should be factual and concise, highlighting only the most important results.

Implications: The main conclusions drawn from the results, including the relevance, implications, and potential impact of the findings. This may also include recommendations or future research directions.

Example of Abstract Writing

The Effects of Urban Noise Pollution on Birdsong Adaptation Abstract: Urbanization has led to significant environmental changes, affecting biodiversity and wildlife behavior. This study examines the impact of urban noise pollution on birdsong adaptation in three major cities: New York, London, and Tokyo. Using field recordings collected over two years, we analyzed frequency changes, song length, and timing adaptations in common urban bird species. Our findings reveal that birds in noisier environments exhibit higher frequency songs, shorter song lengths, and shifts to dawn and dusk singing to avoid peak noise periods. Specifically, the average frequency increase was noted to be approximately 1.2 kHz in areas with decibel levels exceeding 70 dB.   Additionally, song length was reduced by an average of 20% in high-noise habitats. These adaptations suggest a significant impact of noise pollution on avian communication and mating rituals. The study underscores the importance of incorporating wildlife preservation efforts in urban planning and noise reduction strategies. Future research should focus on the long-term evolutionary implications of these behavioral adaptations and their impact on bird populations in urban environments.   Keywords: noise pollution, birdsong adaptation, urban biodiversity, avian communication, urban planning

Medical Abstract Sample

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity: An Urgent Call for Conservation Action Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to global biodiversity, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, species survival, and biodiversity hotspots worldwide. This study synthesizes current research on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, drawing on data from a range of ecosystems including forests, oceans, and freshwater habitats. Our analysis reveals that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, is significantly affecting species distribution, population dynamics, and ecosystem functions. Notably, approximately 25% of species in assessed animal and plant groups are already threatened by climate change, underscoring the risk of mass extinctions if current trends continue.   The study highlights critical areas such as the Amazon rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Arctic, where the effects of climate change are particularly pronounced. The loss of biodiversity in these areas not only diminishes global ecological richness but also undermines ecosystem services vital to human survival, including pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies that incorporate climate change mitigation, habitat preservation, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Furthermore, international cooperation and the integration of biodiversity conservation into climate policies are essential to address the global scope of the challenge. This study serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss and the need for immediate action to preserve the natural world for future generations.   Keywords: climate change, biodiversity, conservation, ecosystems, species extinction

Example of Abstract in Research

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Implications and Future Prospects The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has ushered in a new era of innovation, fundamentally transforming industries, economies, and societal norms. This research paper explores the multifaceted implications of AI developments, focusing on ethical considerations, potential societal impacts, and the future trajectory of AI integration into various sectors. By examining recent advancements in machine learning, autonomous systems, and AI-driven analytics, we identify key areas of growth and the potential for AI to enhance efficiency, decision-making processes, and personalized services. However, alongside these benefits, the study highlights significant ethical concerns, including privacy issues, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and the challenges of AI governance.   In addressing these ethical considerations, the research emphasizes the importance of developing robust ethical frameworks and regulatory policies to guide AI development and deployment. The analysis suggests that proactive measures, including transparency in AI algorithms, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary research, are critical to addressing ethical dilemmas and ensuring AI technologies benefit society as a whole. Moreover, the paper discusses the potential for AI to address global challenges, such as healthcare delivery, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, underlining the necessity of ethical AI innovation to achieve long-term societal goals. The findings advocate for a balanced approach to AI development, one that harnesses its transformative potential while mitigating associated risks through ethical practices and governance. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the future of AI, urging a collaborative effort among technologists, policymakers, and ethicists to shape a future where AI serves as a force for good.   Keywords : Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Implications, Machine Learning, AI Governance, Sustainable Development

Topics for Abstract Writing with Samples to Edit & Download

• Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Public Health and Pandemics
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Economic Inequality and Social Justice
• Space Exploration and Technology
• Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Digital Transformation in Education
• Blockchain and Financial Technologies
• Cultural Heritage and Digital Preservation
• Nutrition and Food Security
• Quantum Computing
• Autonomous Vehicles and Future Transportation
• Plastic Pollution and Waste Management Solutions
• Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education and Training
• Impact of Social Media on Society and Interpersonal Relationships
• Advances in 3D Printing Technology and Its Applications
• APA Abstract

Abstract Writing Examples & Templates

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How to Write a Conference Presentation Abstract

A conference presentation is a form of engagement and communication approach that aims to disseminate pieces of educational information about a particular topic to several people. Considering that you are likely to introduce fresh details to a vast amount of audience, an abstract should be provided to the conference committee beforehand. This brief document which is usually composed of 200-400 words, serves as the pass for a proponent to proceed in conducting a conference presentation.

Hearing the term “abstract” may intimidate you; however, do not be fooled with your thoughts. Once you have already created your paper, composing your abstract will be as easy as cake. If still, you do not believe, here are seven easy steps in constructing your conference presentation abstract to prove you wrong.

1. Understand your entire conference presentation.

An abstract is a summary of your whole presentation and though it is only briefly composed, the content of your conference brief should be as meaty as your presentation itself. Before writing even a single letter for your abstract, see to it that you truly comprehended your entire document. By doing this, it would be easier for you to distinguish the necessary details that need to be included.

2. Identify the background.

The background of your conference presentation refers basically to the reason why you are doing that talk. Generally, it focuses on the dilemmas you want to address or a context you want to enhance. It also includes the severity of the problem and its causes. It also discusses why this difficulty has never been addressed before as well as its current situation. Also, your expectations and hypothesis may be included in this section as well.

3. Know your approach.

An approach of a conference presentation depicts the steps you have taken to address the said problem. Basically speaking, this segment refers to your methodology. The approach includes the kind of data did you gathered and your method of data collection. It also tackles about your assessment of these collected details. The respondents of your study, as well as their population number, are also mentioned in your approach. Nevertheless, do not forget to identify the genre of your topic. You may indicate whether it is data analysis, an annual business report, case study, etc.

4. Distinguish the findings or results.

This portion fundamentally talks about your discoveries from the said study. Simply reflect on the results of the study. State whether the new technique or approach turned out to be effective or not. Moreover, mention the new details you found from the research. Specify the things that are confirmed or rejected in your experiment, too. You may also indicate if there are any unexpected changes or interesting events that occurred.

5. Determine the conclusion.

The conclusion primarily pertains to the generalization you have derived out from the mentioned outcomes. In this segment, you may mention the phenomena tailed by your data and the necessary measurements in regards to the said event. You may indicate the effect of your findings to your audience as well.

6. Summarize these five key details.

To finally compose your own abstract, simply summarize these pieces of information mentioned above. Given that the average count of an abstract is about 200-400 words, briefly wrap everything up. In doing this step, consider including only the most important information. Hence, do not state everything said in your abstract. Simply provide the committee with an interesting clue on your presentation’s content.

7. Proofread.

Before submitting anything, practice to review your compositions. Though it is the idea within your abstract that matters the most, it is an undeniable fact that error-free grammar and spelling could enhance the presentation of your work and establish a good impression. Furthermore, it could also help you achieve better communication with your reader.

Types of Abstract Writing

• Informative Abstracts : Provide a comprehensive summary of the research, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. This type is detailed and acts as a surrogate for the actual document.
• Descriptive Abstracts : Offer a general overview of the work without delving into results or conclusions. They typically describe the purpose and scope of the research, serving more as an invitation to read the full document.
• Critical Abstracts : In addition to summarizing the work, these evaluate or critique the research’s validity, reliability, or completeness. Critical abstracts are less common and are usually found in academic review articles.
• Highlight Abstracts : Designed to capture the reader’s interest, they emphasize the most exciting or novel aspects of the research, often leaving out less significant details. Highlight abstracts are used for marketing or promotional purposes.
• Structured Abstracts : Follow a specific format that requires the author to fill in sections such as Background, Objective, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. This format is common in medical and scientific journals for its clarity and ease of reading.

How to Write an Abstract

1. understand the purpose of your abstract.

• Informative Abstract: Provides a comprehensive summary of the work, including the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions.
• Descriptive Abstract: Offers a brief description of the work without going into detailed results or conclusions, focusing on the purpose and scope.

2. Review the Requirements

• Check any specific guidelines provided by the journal, conference, or institution regarding length, format, and content.

3. Identify Key Elements to Include

• Purpose: Clearly state the main objective and scope of the work.
• Methodology: Briefly describe the methods used to conduct the research or work.
• Results: Summarize the main findings or outcomes, including significant data points if applicable.
• Conclusions: Highlight the key conclusions, implications, and the significance of the findings.
• Keywords: Include a list of keywords that reflect the main content areas of the work.

4. Write the Draft

• Start with a Draft: Begin by drafting each section of the abstract without worrying about the word limit.
• Be Specific and Direct: Use precise language to convey the essential points of your work.
• Avoid Jargon: Write in clear and accessible language, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon.

5. Revise and Refine

• Condense Information: Reduce each section to its essence, ensuring you stay within the word limit.
• Ensure Coherence: Check that the abstract flows logically from the purpose through to the conclusions.
• Accuracy: Verify that the abstract accurately reflects the content of your paper or project.

6. Final Checks

• Compliance with Guidelines: Ensure your abstract meets all specified requirements for length and format.
• Proofreading: Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity. It may help to have someone else review it as well.
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• Circulating tumour DNA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma across tumour stages and treatments
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3842-782X Claudia Campani 1 , 2 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8439-6732 Sandrine Imbeaud 1 ,
• Gabrielle Couchy 1 ,
• Marianne Ziol 1 , 3 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4428-2997 Theo Z Hirsch 1 ,
• Sandra Rebouissou 1 ,
• Bénédicte Noblet 1 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2489-0768 Pierre Nahon 1 , 4 ,
• Katia Hormigos 5 ,
• Sabrina Sidali 1 , 6 ,
• Olivier Seror 1 , 7 ,
• Valerie Taly 5 ,
• Nathalie Ganne Carrie 1 , 4 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8475-5459 Pierre Laurent-Puig 8 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5687-0334 Jessica Zucman-Rossi 1 , 8 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4875-9353 Jean-Charles Nault 1 , 4
• 1 Cordeliers Research Center, INSERM, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" Team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer Accredited Team, Labex OncoImmunology , Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité , Paris , France
• 2 Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , University of Firenze , Florence , Italy
• 3 Pathology Department and Biological Resource Center Center (BB-0033-00027), Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis , University Hospital, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University , Bobugny , France
• 4 Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP , University Sorbonne Paris Nord , Bobigny , France
• 5 Cordeliers Research Center, INSERM, CNRS SNC 5096, Sorbonne University, Paris Cité University , Paris , France
• 6 Liver unit, Paris Cité University , Beaujon Hospital, APHP, DMU DIGEST , Clichy , France
• 7 Interventional Radiology Unit, Avicenne Hospital, APHP, Bobigny , Paris , France
• 8 Cordeliers Research Center, INSERM , Sorbonne University, Paris Cité University, Institut of Cancer Paris CARPEM, AP-HP-Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou , Paris , France
• Correspondence to Dr Jean-Charles Nault, Cordeliers Research Center, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, F-75006, Sorbonne University, Paris, Île-de-France, France; naultjc{at}gmail.com

Objective Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a promising non-invasive biomarker in cancer. We aim to assess the dynamic of ctDNA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Design We analysed 772 plasmas from 173 patients with HCC collected at the time of diagnosis or treatment (n=502), 24 hours after locoregional treatment (n=154) and during follow-up (n=116). For controls, 56 plasmas from patients with chronic liver disease without HCC were analysed. All samples were analysed for cell free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and for mutations in TERT promoter, CTNNB1 , TP53 , PIK3CA and NFE2L2 by sequencing and droplet-based digital PCR. Results were compared with 232 corresponding tumour samples.

Results In patients with active HCC, 40.2% of the ctDNA was mutated vs 14.6% in patients with inactive HCC and 1.8% in controls (p<0.001). In active HCC, we identified 27.5% of mutations in TERT promoter, 21.3% in TP53 , 13.1% in CTNNB1 , 0.4% in PIK3CA and 0.2% in NFE2L2, most of the times similar to those identified in the corresponding tumour. CtDNA mutation rate increased with advanced tumour stages (p<0.001). In 103 patients treated by percutaneous ablation, the presence and number of mutations in the ctDNA before treatment were associated with higher risk of death (p=0.001) and recurrence (p<0.001). Interestingly, cfDNA concentration and detectable mutations increased 24 hours after a locoregional treatment. Among 356 plasmas collected in 53 patients treated by systemic treatments, we detected mutations at baseline in 60.4% of the cases. In patients treated by atezolizumab-bevacizumab, persistence of mutation in ctDNA was associated with radiological progression (63.6% vs 36.4% for disappearance, p=0.019). In two patients progressing under systemic treatments, we detected the occurrence of mutations in CTNNB1 in the plasma that was subclonal in the tumour for one patient and not detectable in the tumour for the other one.

Conclusion ctDNA offers dynamic information reflecting tumour biology. It represents a non-invasive tool useful to guide HCC clinical management.

• hepatocellular carcinoma
• immunotherapy

Data availability statement

Data are available on reasonable request. Results of tumour sequencing were available in online supplemental data. The study protocol has been published, including details of sample handing and processing. The individual data collected will not be made available due to restrictions from ethics boards.

https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2024-331956

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JZ-R and J-CN are joint senior authors.

X @Zucmanrossi

Correction notice This article has been corrected since it published Online First. All figures have been replaced to improve clarify.

Contributors CC, SI, JZ-R and J-CN designed the study. JZ-R and J-CN obtained funding. MZ, PN, OS, NGC and J-CN recruited the patients and collected the samples. CC, SI, JZ-R and J-CN accessed, curated and verified the data. CC, GC, BN and KH did the laboratory assays. CC, SI, GC, VT, PL-P, J-CN and JZ-R analysed and interpret the data. All authors had access to the raw data reported in the study. CC and J-CN drafted the manuscript. All authors critically revised the manuscript and approved the final version to be published. JZ-R and J-CN had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. J-CN is the guarantor of the current manuscript.

Funding This project was supported by INSERM, Institut National du Cancer (INCa) PRTK 2014 MUTHEC, Ligue National contre le Cancer (Equipe labellisée), ANRS CSS7 AAP 2018-1 CITHEC, Association Française pour l’Étude du Foie (AFEF) 2022 projet radio-moléculaire, Agence Nationale De La Recherche (ANR) 2022 SYSTHEC, Agence nationale de recherches sur le sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS) 2023 CSS13 HBV-LIRAGE ECTZ232901, SIRIC CAncer Research in multiple dimensions to accelerate PrEcision Medicine (CARPEM) INCa-DGOS-Inserm-12561. GENIAL (European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, grant agreement No 101096312).

Competing interests PN has received honoraria from and/or consults for AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, Gilead, Ipsen and Roche. He received research grants from AstraZeneca, AbbVie, Bristol–Myers Squibb and Eisai. NGC received travel and congress fees, consulting fees or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers’ bureaus from Abbvie, Bayer, Gilead, Ipsen, Intercept and Roche. J-CN received research funding from Bayer and Ipsen. CC, SI, GC, MZ, TZH, SR, BN, KH, SS, OS, VT, PL-P and JZ-R have nothing to disclose.

Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were not involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.

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