May. 14 at 12:10 PM
$PSNL 4) They miss a large percentage of early-stage cancers, particularly breast and prostate. In contrast, MRD is a sniper. It knows exactly what to look for because it starts with the original tumor’s DNA.
Many specialists already use Signatera. But widespread adoption requires clinical trials demonstrating that acting on a blood-test result actually extends lives. Those results drive endorsement by bodies like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, whose guidelines determine what insurers will cover. Medicare already pays for these tests, but commercial insurers, covering roughly half the eligible population, pay only about 25% of the time, says Dan Brennan, an analyst at TD Cowen.
Natera has submitted a Food and Drug Administration application for Signatera in bladder cancer, backed by a late-stage trial showing improved survival for patients who tested positive. Bladder cancer is a small market.
