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Haystack Oncology Partners with Rutgers Cancer Institute for Lung Cancer Study

In an innovative move to enhance treatment decisions for lung cancer, Haystack Oncology, a subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, has announced a collaborative research project with the Rutgers Cancer Institute. This partnership aims to evaluate the application of Haystack MRD®, a highly sensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test, to optimize postoperative therapy for patients diagnosed with stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The MRD-PORT Trial

The ongoing study, known as the MRD-PORT Trial (NCT06979661), is a phase II prospective investigation focused on assessing the role of ctDNA as a marker for determining the necessity of further treatments, such as radiation and systemic therapies, following surgical intervention. The Rutgers Cancer Institute, noted for being New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center when paired with RWJBarnabas Health, is at the forefront of this research.

As Dr. Salma Jabbour, Vice Chair of Clinical Research and Faculty Development at Rutgers Cancer Institute, states,
"Circulating tumor DNA is a pivotal marker to figure out how best to individualize patient care for lung cancer. Studying new ways to detect this marker is important for helping improve patient outcomes."

Personalized Care Approaches

Focusing on the potential of personalized medicine, the trial will specifically analyze the presence of ctDNA in lung cancer patients during the adjuvant phase of treatment. Those who test positive for ctDNA post-surgery, indicating the likelihood of residual tumor presence, will be candidates for tailored postoperative therapies. These might include adjuvant radiation as well as systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, which will be selected based on the specific biology of the tumor and the clinical circumstances surrounding each patient.

"The ability to identify residual disease following curative-intent treatment opens the door to more precise, personalized interventions, moving us closer to truly individualized cancer care," emphasizes Dan Edelstein, Vice President and General Manager of Haystack Oncology. He adds that existing evidence supports the prognostic capacity of ctDNA in lung cancer, paving the way for further exploration into how ctDNA-based testing can refine adjuvant treatment strategies.

Previous Collaborations and Future Goals

This is not the first instance of collaboration between Haystack Oncology and Rutgers Cancer Institute. Earlier in 2023, the two entities announced a study examining the use of Haystack MRD in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing clinical applications in oncology.

As the field of cancer treatment evolves, the significance of ctDNA minimal residual disease (MRD) tests has been substantiated through several research efforts. A notable study published in April 2025 in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that ctDNA testing facilitated by Haystack MRD serves as a reliable liquid biopsy surrogate, identifying clinical complete responses more expediently than traditional imaging tests.

Moreover, a striking 96% of oncologists surveyed expressed confidence in the ability of MRD tests to detect cancer recurrence sooner than existing methods, underlining the potential impact of this research.

The FDA has also recognized the promise of the Haystack MRD technology, granting Breakthrough Device Designation for its role in identifying MRD-positive patients with stage II colorectal cancer who might benefit from additional therapy post-surgery.

Understanding Lung Cancer

As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S., the identification and treatment of residual disease post-surgery are crucial. Recurrence rates persistently challenge prognosis, particularly among patients with stage II and III NSCLC. Research indicates that those who test positive for ctDNA post-surgery experience significantly poorer outcomes than their ctDNA-negative counterparts.

About Haystack Oncology and Rutgers Cancer Institute

Haystack Oncology boasts over two decades of pioneering efforts in liquid biopsy technologies, having developed the Haystack MRD test, which detects exceptionally low levels of ctDNA, making it a vital tool for uncovering residual or recurrent disease. Conversely, Rutgers Cancer Institute, in collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health, remains committed to delivering access to cutting-edge cancer treatment options through extensive research, contributing to breakthroughs in patient care.

As these two organizations continue their partnership, the future appears promising for transforming post-surgical care in lung cancer, with the hope of achieving enhanced patient outcomes through personalized medicine.

For more information, visit Haystack MRD and Quest Diagnostics.