- 76% of oncologists report an increase in advanced cancer cases, citing screening barriers as a major factor.
- Quest Diagnostics' (DGX, Financial) Haystack MRD™ test detects treatment responses 1.4 months faster than traditional methods.
- 94% of oncologists believe circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) MRD testing could reduce delays in cancer recurrence diagnosis.
A recent report from Quest Diagnostics (DGX) brings to light daunting challenges in cancer care, with 76% of oncologists observing a rise in advanced cancer cases. A significant 75% of these oncologists attribute this growth to barriers in screening processes, underscoring a critical issue in current healthcare practices.
The report also highlights substantial hurdles in detecting cancer recurrence, with 79% of oncologists witnessing cases where recurrence went undetected in its early stages. Among these instances, 68% were attributed to delays in follow-up care, and 50% to limitations in existing imaging tests. These findings signal a need for improvement in cancer monitoring techniques.
In contrast, the study emphasizes the promising potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. An overwhelming 94% of oncologists believe such tests could significantly reduce diagnostic delays in cases of cancer recurrence. Quest's Haystack MRD™ test has shown to be particularly effective, detecting treatment responses 1.4 months faster than traditional methods, which typically take 6.1 months.
Despite the technology's potential, its broader implementation is hindered by barriers such as insurance coverage limitations and the necessity for additional clinical evidence. Addressing these challenges could pave the way for more timely and accurate cancer recurrence diagnostics, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
