NEWS22 January 2025
Datar Cancer Genetics (DCG), based at Surrey Research Park, has announced the launch of Target-MRD, an advanced molecular residual disease (MRD) monitoring blood test for solid organ cancers.
Blood Test to Accurately Detect Circulating Tumour-Related Mutations
In patients who undergo initial anticancer treatments, a small number of tumour cells can survive and persist in the body. This low ‘disease burden’ is capable of leading to a relapse, which can remain undetectable by traditional genomic and imaging methods.
Timely detection of this ‘minimal residual disease’ is now considered critical towards mitigating risks of recurrence.
Target-MRD offers personalised, ultra-sensitive detection and monitoring of residual disease at the molecular level, if any, to assist oncologists to intervene early, well before the disease gets out of hand. Target-MRD combines tumour-agnostic (to detect tumour evolution) and tumour-informed (specific to a patient’s cancer) biomarkers thus offering a comprehensive and ultra-high sensitivity solution for more effective disease management.
Dr. Timothy Crook, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Cromwell Hospital, London, said, “Monitoring the slightest recurrence of cancer in patients after treatment is critical to enable timely interventions before the disease gets out of hand. The dual approach of Datar’s MRD is a significant step forward in non-invasively detecting the earliest signs of residual disease. It has the potential to change how we manage cancer patients.”
“This novel MRD detection approach, combining tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic strategies, represents a significant advancement in oncology diagnostics. This innovative methodology enhances our ability to deliver truly personalised care to cancer patients. Its sensitivity and precision offer clinicians invaluable tools for tailoring treatments, improving recurrence detection, and optimising long-term patient outcomes. This is a transformative step toward truly personalised cancer care,” said Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram.
Advancing the Future of Oncology
“Target-MRD reflects DCG’s commitment to safe, reliable and accurate technologies. It is the next generation test that has the potential not only to detect recurrence earlier but to adapt itself to each patient’s individual requirements and helps to personalise cancer management decisions,” said Dr. Darshana Patil, Senior Director, Global Strategy and Medical Affairs at DCG.
“With its ability to sensitively detect minimal residual disease, Target-MRD empowers clinicians with the information they need to make timely, data-driven decisions, improving patient outcomes and ultimately transforming the way cancer is managed.”
Datar Cancer Genetics is a global oncology research and applications company that is spearheading the development of non-invasive technologies for improved detection, treatment and management of cancer.
DCG Supports Surrey Research Park’s CancerBusters Initiative
The Park’s unique CancerBusters initiative fosters collaboration between the University of Surrey’s leading human and animal cancer researchers, cancer experts from innovative companies at Surrey Research Park, including DCG, and the wider Surrey Innovation District ecosystem.
Managed by the Park’s dedicated Communications and Engagement team, part of the University of Surrey, participants are supported to exchange expertise and knowledge, and access funding and talent opportunities with the goal of driving tangible progress in cancer diagnostics, treatment and care.
Our CancerBusters initiative is just one of the many unique and pioneering ways the University of Surrey supports teams to thrive and businesses to grow at Surrey Research Park. If you would like to find out more about opportunities for your business at Surrey Research Park, get in touch today.
