Natera showcases positive results for Merkel cell carcinoma surveillance test

Natera has revealed data on its MRD test, Signatera, for detecting Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive skin cancer. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the study demonstrated Signatera's 95% sensitivity in identifying tumor cells at enrollment.

The study included 319 patients with stage I-IV Merkel cell carcinoma. Signatera was used to measure circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at enrollment and every three months during follow-up. The test, available worldwide, showed that ctDNA positivity indicated a 20-fold higher recurrence risk compared to ctDNA negativity.

Lead author Lisa Zaba highlighted that Signatera can guide prognosis and surveillance, regardless of viral status. After one year, patients with positive ctDNA had a 9% recurrence-free probability, while those with negative ctDNA had a 91% probability. These results suggest that Signatera could improve management for Merkel cell carcinoma, which has a 40% recurrence rate within five years.