Quest Diagnostics Launches Novel Blood Test for Ultrasensitive Detection of Myeloma Residual Disease

Quest Diagnostics has launched a new blood test, Quest Flow Cytometry MRD for Myeloma, to detect measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells. 

The test uses advanced flow cytometry methods to identify residual cancer cells with sensitivity comparable to next-generation sequencing (NGS) but at a lower cost.

Myeloma affects around 36,000 people annually in the United States and leads to nearly 11,000 deaths each year. 

While the disease is generally incurable, treatment and ongoing MRD monitoring can help manage it as a chronic condition. 

Conventional MRD detection relies on bone marrow aspirates, which are invasive, whereas Quest’s new test uses a noninvasive blood sample. 

It can also be performed without a pre-treatment baseline sample and maintains specimen stability for five days, supporting easier access and logistics.

The test offers potential benefits for both patient care and clinical research. Its sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, combined with widespread access through Quest’s phlebotomy network, aim to improve monitoring, guide treatment decisions, and support clinical trials. 

This development complements Quest’s existing oncology testing services, further enhancing care for patients with haematological cancers.