Breaking New Ground in Lung Cancer Detection
Adela, Inc. has recently made waves in the oncology community by presenting its pioneering
Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) test at the
2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. This innovative blood-only, tissue-free test shows promise in predicting the recurrence of
early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an exciting development for patients who often face challenges with current detection methods.
Revolutionary Testing Method
Adela's MRD test leverages a proprietary
genome-wide methylome enrichment technology that allows for monitoring cancer through a simple blood sample. This is especially crucial for lung cancer patients, as nearly
40% of them lack sufficient tumor tissue for traditional testing methods. By removing the need for tumor samples, Adela aims to broaden the accessibility of MRD testing, enabling timely and efficient detection of cancer recurrence before clinical examinations or imaging.
Study Insights
During the AACR meeting, results from a study involving
136 blood samples from 24 patients with stage I-II NSCLC were shared. Blood samples were collected at various stages: before surgery, after surgery, and at intervals leading up to either recurrence or the last clinical follow-up.
The study revealed that Adela's MRD test could identify cancer recurrence an impressive
35.9 months earlier on average than the standard care methods. The mean lead time for detection was about
16.6 months, demonstrating significant improvements in
recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates when stratified by MRD positivity, with a notable hazard ratio of
3.58.
Dr.
Anne-Renee Hartman, Chief Medical Officer at Adela, expressed enthusiasm regarding these findings, stating, “We are greatly encouraged by these results which highlight the ability of Adela's tissue-free MRD test to detect recurrence in lung cancer well in advance of standard of care.” This affirmation reinforces the clinical validation already accomplished for head and neck cancer that also utilized Adela's methylome enrichment platform.
Implications for Future Cancer Monitoring
Adela's commitment to developing advanced cancer detection technologies is evident. The MRD test is currently designated for
Research Use Only (RUO), facilitating biomarker discovery and drug development for biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions. With plans to commercialize the test by the end of
2025, Adela aims to pave the way for clinicians dealing with head and neck cancers to detect recurrences earlier and outline informed treatment pathways.
The study was highlighted under the abstract titled, "
The Development of a Tissue-Agnostic Genome-Wide Methylome Enrichment Assay for Lung Cancer," presented by Dr.
Harvey I. Pass during the meeting.
Company Foundation and Future Aspirations
Adela, via its groundbreaking technology, envisions enhanced cancer management and diagnosis. Their blood-based, tissue-free products are positioned to make a significant impact. By efficiently capturing genomic data pertinent to cancer, Adela strives to increase detection opportunities, moving towards a future where delays in diagnosing recurrences could be significantly decreased.
Their research advancements are supported by prominent investors like
F-Prime Capital,
OrbiMed, and
Labcorp, which illustrates a strong backing for their innovative ventures.
As Adela inches closer to bringing this technology to market, not only does it pave the way for improved patient outcomes in lung cancer, but it also has the potential to revolutionize how various cancers are approached in the clinical setting.
For further insight into Adela's projects and milestones, visit
adelabio.com.