How ctDNA can assist in critical nonoperative management decisions

Recent findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine have sparked widespread attention across the oncology community: in patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) locally advanced rectal cancer, a non-operative approach using PD-1 blockade led to sustained clinical complete response. A key element in the study’s design was the use of Haystack MRD® to monitor treatment response and guide patient management. Haystack MRD, a Quest Diagnostics test, is a tumor-informed, next-generation MRD test that detects ultralow levels of ctDNA to uncover residual or recurrent disease.

Join us for an in-depth discussion with Dr Andrea Cercek, lead author in the study, and Dan Edelstein, Vice President and General Manager of Haystack Oncology at Quest Diagnostics, to explore how these results are reshaping cancer care—and what they mean for patients and clinical research.

Highlights:

Nonoperative management: Explore the evolving role of immunotherapy and surveillance in dMMR rectal cancer ·

Response monitoring in real-time: Learn the advantages of highly precise ctDNA testing over traditional imaging and clinical assessment in evaluating treatment efficacy

Practical considerations: Gain insights on how to incorporate ctDNA testing into routine clinical workflows for treatment response monitoring