Quest Diagnostics has introduced the launch of a novel blood check to evaluate measurable residual illness (MRD) in sufferers with the blood most cancers myeloma throughout america.
The check, named Quest Circulate Cytometry MRD for Myeloma, makes use of superior move cytometry strategies to detect small quantities of most cancers cells that will stay within the physique throughout or after therapy. By providing a noninvasive various to conventional bone marrow biopsies, the check goals to enhance entry to ultrasensitive monitoring for sufferers with most cancers who’re managing the illness as a power situation, as Quest defined in a information launch.
Fundamental information that assist the findings
The Quest Circulate Cytometry MRD for Myeloma check gives sensitivity akin to next-generation sequencing (NGS) strategies in detecting residual myeloma. Traditionally, NGS has been the usual for high-sensitivity detection, providing a tenfold enchancment over typical move cytometry. Nonetheless, NGS usually comes with a better worth level and requires a baseline aspirate pattern taken earlier than therapy to function a reference.
Quest’s new check is exclusive as a result of it achieves this excessive stage of detection utilizing noninvasive blood specimens as an alternative of bone marrow aspirates. Moreover, the check can be utilized in medical conditions the place a baseline pattern is just not accessible. One other vital information level entails specimen stability; the Quest check stays secure for 5 days, whereas typical move cytometry usually requires processing inside three days or much less. This prolonged window is designed to assist testing entry for sufferers even when specimen transport to a laboratory takes a number of days.
Trial particulars
The event and efficiency of the Quest Circulate Cytometry MRD for Myeloma check have been offered at a current American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Assembly and Exposition. Medical neighborhood members have been educated on how the assay might enhance the therapy paradigm for sufferers with most cancers. Along with its position in routine medical care, the check is anticipated to be utilized as a software for monitoring affected person response inside medical trials.
The significance of MRD monitoring was underscored in January 2026, when the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft steering relating to the usage of MRD as a major endpoint in medical trials for a number of myeloma remedies. This steering means that MRD information can be utilized to assist accelerated approval for brand spanking new drug and organic merchandise.
Myeloma impacts plasma cells — a kind of white blood cell — and results in the manufacturing of irregular antibodies that affect the blood and bones. In america, about 36,000 new instances are identified yearly, and almost 11,000 sufferers die from the illness annually. Monitoring MRD is important for guiding personalised remedies, akin to chemotherapy, as physicians handle the situation over the long run.
Security
The security profile of the Quest Circulate Cytometry MRD for Myeloma check is highlighted by its noninvasive nature. Historically, assessing measurable residual illness requires a bone marrow aspirate, which is a kind of biopsy. By using superior move cytometry on blood specimens, this check gives a much less invasive choice for sufferers who require common monitoring.
Quest Diagnostics operates roughly 7,000 phlebotomy websites throughout america, permitting sufferers with most cancers to entry the check in quite a lot of medical settings. The corporate serves one in three grownup Individuals and half of the physicians and hospitals within the nation. This infrastructure helps the secure assortment and transport of specimens, making certain that diagnostic insights are delivered to healthcare suppliers to assist rework affected person lives. This new providing enhances a broad portfolio of hematopathology and molecular oncology companies, together with the Haystack MRD check for stable tumor cancers.
Reference
- “Quest Diagnostics Launches Novel Circulate Cytometry MRD Blood Take a look at for Myeloma, Enabling Ultrasensitive Detection of Residual Illness,” information launch; https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/2026-02-02-Quest-Diagnostics-Launches-Novel-Circulate-Cytometry-MRD-Blood-Take a look at-for-Myeloma,-Enabling-Ultrasensitive-Detection-of-Residual-Illness
Editor’s notice: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t an alternative to skilled medical recommendation, as your personal expertise shall be distinctive. Use this text to information discussions along with your oncologist. Content material was generated with AI and reviewed by a human editor.
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