Quest Resource Holding Advances Cancer Monitoring with ctDNA MRD Testing Innovations

### Advancements in Cancer Monitoring: Quest Diagnostics Leads with ctDNA MRD Testing

Quest Diagnostics, a key player in the diagnostic information services industry, is preparing to present groundbreaking research on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) minimal residual disease (MRD) testing at the upcoming 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco. The presentations will center around the Haystack MRD® test, a product of Haystack Oncology, a subsidiary of Quest. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to advancing cancer detection and monitoring, crucial for improving patient outcomes in oncology.

The studies featured at the symposium will delve into two significant areas: the reproducibility and clinical concordance of a tumor-informed MRD assay in patients with resected colorectal cancer, and the role of ctDNA in monitoring patients undergoing total neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. The findings promise to shed light on the effectiveness of ctDNA MRD testing as a reliable method for early cancer recurrence detection. A recent Harris Poll survey reveals that 96% of oncologists believe MRD testing can identify cancer recurrence sooner than traditional approaches, underscoring the growing recognition of ctDNA's potential in clinical settings.

The Haystack MRD test is developed from over two decades of research in collaboration with experts from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. It is validated for commercial use in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring its reliability and accuracy. The test's exceptional sensitivity and specificity position it as a revolutionary tool for oncologists seeking to tailor surveillance strategies and adjust treatment plans based on real-time data. With clinical trials being conducted across various international locations, including Baltimore, Hamburg, and Helsinki, the Haystack MRD test exemplifies a significant advancement in cancer management, empowering clinicians to intervene well before clinical progression is observable.

In addition to the pivotal findings presented at the symposium, the increasing emphasis on ctDNA-based MRD testing reflects a broader trend in the oncology field towards personalized medicine. As healthcare professionals seek innovative methods to enhance patient outcomes, the integration of advanced diagnostic tools like the Haystack MRD test into routine practice will likely become more prevalent. This shift not only promises to improve the quality of cancer care but also highlights the vital role that diagnostic companies like Quest Diagnostics play in transforming cancer treatment paradigms.

As Quest Diagnostics continues to spearhead developments in diagnostic testing, the implications of their research extend beyond immediate clinical applications, potentially reshaping the future of cancer surveillance and treatment strategies on a global scale.