Molecular residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of tumor-specific DNA in the body after cancer treatment. These fragments of genetic information, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are shed into the blood by solid tumors as part of the tumor growth cycle. Their presence may indicate that cancer is present.
It is estimated that more than
3 million patients
in the United States alone could benefit from MRD testing.1
Our vision for the Oncodetect test 2
Our goal is to develop a tumor-informed MRD test for patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. The Oncodetect test is designed to identify somatic alterations in DNA extracted from a patient's tumor tissue and detect a subset of these mutations in ctDNA that may be present in a patient's blood.
Insights for more informed decisions
We designed the Oncodetect test to help guide therapy decisions and monitor cancer recurrence for patients with certain solid tumor types in conjunction with radiographical and other clinicopathological findings.
The potential of MRD detection
Detect
cancer recurrence earlier than standard of care methods
Monitor
patients over time
Assess
if the tumor has responded to therapy
Our approach
About MRD
Our commitment
What sets our technical approach apart
At Exact Sciences, we are continually developing innovative solutions for cancer patients, including accurate, reproducible detection of ctDNA for their MRD status.
Tumor-informed, whole exome sequencing (WES) for bespoke, patient personalization
Hybrid capture target enrichment enabling a large and scalable number of variants tracked
Up to 200 variants tracked
Proprietary machine learning based detection algorithm to call MRD status
Proprietary cfDNA preserving tubes (LBgard® Blood Tubes)
Our workflow is designed with patient personalization in mind
Designed as a tumor-informed test, the Oncodetect test will be customized to each patient. We envision a workflow where at the time of the first testing, the patient's own tumor will guide the design of a customized cancer mutation panel for that patient.
Each patient's personalized panel can then be used for subsequent testing.
How MRD Detection Works
MRD testing can be used in different ways. For example, it may detect residual disease before it can be detected through standard of care, including clinical or radiographic methods.
MRD testing helps locate hard-to-find ctDNA
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is introduced into the blood by being shed by cells as well as by cells undergoing death. ctDNA, a subset of cfDNA that is derived from tumor cells, is uncommon compared to normal cfDNA. MRD tests need to be sensitive enough to detect ctDNA from normal cfDNA.
The Importance of ctDNA
- Reflects the mutational landscape of the corresponding tumor tissue
- Levels can enable real-time measurement of tumor burden
- Dynamics can act as a surrogate for treatment response
Potential MRD Applications Across the Patient Care Continuum
MRD detection has the potential to be used at multiple points during the cancer patient’s journey.
What sets exact sciences apart long term for MRD?
At Exact Sciences, we serve cancer patients throughout the care continuum. Our MRD program will help bridge our testing portfolio's ability to provide smarter answers from cancer diagnosis through advanced stage cancer.
We are dedicated to:
Developing advanced technologies for MRD testing
Investing in robust evidence to validate MRD testing usage
Building a global network of clinical collaborations and technical partnerships
Learn about our latest MRD developments
Exact Sciences and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project have partnered to validate detection of MRD in CRC patients.
Exact Sciences and the West German Study Group have partnered to validate detection of Minimal Residual Disease in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients.
Exact Sciences has partnered with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard to advance innovative MRD technologies and approaches. Exact Sciences has exclusively licensed next-generation technology for ultra-sensitive detection of MRD.
1 Internal estimate for addressable patient populations based on solid tumors amenable to MRD testing.
2 This test is in development.