New Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Launched
Myriad Genetics has commercially launched its Precise MRD liquid biopsy test. The tool is designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients, helping doctors monitor for recurrence. The launch aims to bring advanced, tumor-informed molecular diagnostics from major hospitals into community oncology settings.
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the small number of cancer cells that can remain in the body after treatment. These cells are undetectable by conventional imaging and microscopic examination but can lead to cancer recurrence. Liquid biopsies offer a non-invasive way to detect MRD by measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. Myriad's Precise MRD test is a "tumor-informed" assay, meaning it first sequences a patient's tumor to identify unique mutations. This information is then used to create a personalized panel to track those specific mutations in the patient's blood. This approach can be more sensitive than "tumor-agnostic" tests, which use a pre-designed panel of common cancer mutations and don't require a tumor sample. The technology behind these tests involves advanced sequencing methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect tiny amounts of ctDNA. Myriad's test uses whole-genome sequencing to identify up to 1,000 tumor-specific variants, allowing it to detect ctDNA at levels as low as one part per million. This high sensitivity is crucial, especially in cancers with low ctDNA levels, such as breast cancer. Developing and running these tests requires a team of specialists. Bioinformatics scientists and computational biologists are essential for analyzing the massive datasets generated by genome sequencing and developing the algorithms to identify ctDNA. A career in this area typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in a field like bioinformatics or computer science, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. On the clinical side, medical doctors, particularly oncologists, use the results of MRD tests to make treatment decisions, such as determining if a patient needs additional therapy after surgery. They work with clinical research scientists, who design and oversee the studies that validate the effectiveness of these new diagnostic tools. Becoming a clinical research scientist often involves a bachelor's in a life science, followed by a master's or doctoral degree. Genetic counselors play a crucial patient-facing role, helping individuals and families understand the implications of genetic testing results. They explain complex genetic information, discuss risks and benefits of testing, and provide emotional support. This career path requires a master's degree in genetic counseling.
