Minimal Residual Disease Testing: Precision in Cancer Monitoring
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in oncology, offering unprecedented precision in detecting and monitoring cancer. MRD refers to the small number of cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment, often undetectable with conventional imaging or laboratory tests. Even a tiny population of residual cells can trigger relapse, making their identification critical for effective disease management and long-term survival.
MRD testing employs advanced molecular and cellular techniques to detect these hidden cancer cells at extremely low levels. Methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and flow cytometry allow clinicians to identify genetic mutations, abnormal cell markers, or DNA fragments associated with specific cancers. By providing a highly sensitive and quantitative assessment, MRD testing gives physicians the ability to track disease progression or remission with remarkable accuracy.
One of the most significant benefits…
