Minimal Residual Disease in solid tumors: The next big thing in oncology diagnostics

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Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) is redefining oncology diagnostics. This article covers the current landscape, key barriers, and emerging opportunities, and outlines what it will take to drive successful adoption at scale.

The modern oncology continuum envisions a seamless flow from prevention and early detection through treatment selection, response monitoring, and recurrence surveillance. Historically, this continuum was siloed: diagnosis by imaging or tissue biopsy, treatment by standardized protocols, and follow-up via periodic scans.

Today, new tools are converging to enable precision-based, dynamic decision-making at each juncture:

• Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED): Blood-based assays that screen asymptomatic individuals for cancer signals across multiple tissue types, aiming to catch malignancy well before clinical symptoms emerge
• Minimal/Molecular/…