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Quest Diagnostics and its Game-Changing MRD Testing

Quest Diagnostics, renowned for providing vital diagnostic services, is set to present groundbreaking findings during the upcoming 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. This symposium, a highly anticipated event for oncology professionals, will take place from January 8-10, 2026, in San Francisco, California, and will be accessible online as well.

The Significance of ctDNA MRD Testing

One of the focal points of Quest's presentation will be research involving circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, specifically through the innovative Haystack MRD® test. As cancer care evolves, the need for advanced methods that can detect residual cancer cells is critical, and ctDNA testing serves this purpose remarkably well.

The latest studies being highlighted at the symposium will center around the use of ctDNA in colorectal cancer. The first study, led by Dr. Jeanne Tie, will address the reproducibility and clinical agreement of a tumor-informed MRD assay in patients who have undergone resection for colorectal cancer. This presentation is scheduled for January 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM PST.

Another intriguing presentation by Dr. Eric Christenson will discuss the application of ctDNA in monitoring patients receiving total neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. This session also takes place on January 10, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM PST. Both studies aim to underline how ctDNA testing can revolutionize patient monitoring and treatment strategies.

Early Detection: A Game Changer for Cancer Treatment

Research further emphasizes the growing importance of ctDNA MRD tests in identifying lingering or re-emerging cancer in solid tumors. By locating minute traces of tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream, clinicians can gain valuable foresight regarding cancer recurrence—often well ahead of standard imaging or monitoring approaches. Such early detection can enable healthcare providers to adjust treatment and monitoring plans proactively, possibly altering patient outcomes for the better.

A striking 96% of oncologists recently surveyed by Harris Poll for Quest Diagnostics believe that MRD testing can unveil cancer recurrence sooner than existing methods.

The Haystack Oncology Legacy

Haystack Oncology, a fully owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, has spent over two decades perfecting liquid biopsy technologies, partnering closely with trailblazers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. This dedication has led to the development of the Haystack MRD, noted for its unmatched sensitivity and specificity in detecting extremely low levels of ctDNA, making it an invaluable tool for uncovering residual or recurrent diseases.

With its commitment to advancing cancer care, Haystack Oncology collaborates with biopharma companies to enhance clinical development initiatives and expedite the availability of essential therapeutics to global markets. Their work spans from early-phase clinical studies to developing companion diagnostics, reflecting a continuous dedication to improving oncology outcomes.

Haystack MRD test is currently validated in a CLIA-certified lab, available commercially as a lab-developed test (LDT) at Quest Diagnostics. Furthermore, it remains accessible for clinical trials as an experimental device through Haystack Oncology's facilities established in Baltimore, Maryland; Hamburg, Germany; and Helsinki, Finland.

For more details on the Haystack MRD technology and its impact, visit Haystack MRD Website.