Exact Sciences Explains: Molecular Residual Disease
Is Your Cancer Really Gone? 5 Things You Need to Know About Molecular Residual Disease Tests
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After cancer treatment, many patients are left with a haunting uncertainty: Is it really gone—and will it stay that way? Even when scans appear clear, questions linger. Now, a newer tool is helping provide more clarity. It’s called Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) testing, and it offers a more precise way to detect whether cancer may still be present or could return—especially for some of the most common types of cancer.
MRD testing is expanding rapidly to detect trace amounts of solid tumors, such as breast and colorectal cancer, among the most common cancers in the U.S. Several new MRD tests launched just this year, giving patients and their doctors a newer tool to personalize post-treatment care.
What is MRD testing?
MRD tests, like the Oncodetect® test, are designed to detect and quantify the presence of a small amount of cancer DNA that may remain in a patient’s body after treatment, even when they appear to be cancer free, that can be detected earlier than traditional imaging methods.1,2
Why consider MRD testing?
Advanced detection tools like the Oncodetect test provide a more precise and personalized approach to cancer recurrence monitoring. With a simple blood test, they can provide clinical insights and help empower patients with clear, timely answers enabling them to actively participate in their care and receive the appropriate treatment guidance at the right time which may help outcomes.
Who is MRD testing for?
MRD testing is usually performed after initial therapy, such as surgery to determine if all the cancer was removed or to see how well a cancer has responded to chemotherapy. It can assess if any cancer DNA remains, even though a tumor may not be detectable by standard methods.1,2 MRD testing can also be used after treatment is completed to help monitor for the earliest signs of recurrence (i.e. your cancer coming back).
How might these tests help me or a loved one?
Tailored Chemotherapy Decisions: After surgery, MRD test results, combined with a patient’s risk of recurrence, may help oncologists determine whether chemotherapy is needed, and if so, help guide the choice of regimen and treatment length.
More Aggressive Treatment When Needed: A positive MRD result may prompt oncologists to intensify treatment, recommending additional chemotherapy or targeted therapies to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Swift Action on Signs of Relapse: If MRD testing detects early signs of cancer returning, the care team may order further studies to pinpoint the source of recurrence—enabling timely, targeted intervention.
Are these tests covered by insurance?
Medicare covers multiple MRD tests across solid tumor types, setting the precedent for additional insurance coverage. The Oncodetect test is covered for various stages of colorectal cancer.
References
1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Coverage Database. LCD—MolDX: Minimal Residual Disease Testing for Cancer. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=38779&ver=4
2. Diergaarde B, Young G, Hall DW, Mazloom A, Costa G, Subramaniam S, Palomares M, Garces J, Baehner FL, Schoen RE; and other members of the Exact Sciences MRD Group. Circulating tumor DNA as a marker of recurrence risk in Stage III colorectal cancer: The α‐CORRECT study. Journal of Surgical Oncology.