Biodesix partner, Friends of Cancer Research, publishes data in Clinical Cancer Research, demonstrating strong association between ctDNA changes and treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumor types
Rhea-AI Summary
Biodesix (NASDAQ: BDSX) and Bio-Rad Laboratories have contributed to groundbreaking research findings from Friends of Cancer Research's ctMoniTR Project, published in Clinical Cancer Research. The study demonstrates a strong correlation between circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) changes and treatment outcomes in cancer patients.
The research expands on previous findings, analyzing multiple solid tumor types and treatment categories, including patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The study utilized Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital™ PCR technology to detect ctDNA from patient samples.
Biodesix is currently exploring ctDNA in combination with proteomics to detect molecular residual disease (MRD), with latest advancements to be presented at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting on April 28th, 2025.
Positive
- Research validates ctDNA testing technology for cancer treatment monitoring
- Expansion of study scope to multiple tumor types strengthens clinical evidence
- Strategic partnership with Friends of Cancer Research enhances market position
Negative
- None.
Insights
Biodesix's ctDNA research validation broadens cancer monitoring applications, strengthening their diagnostic portfolio without immediate revenue impact.
This peer-reviewed publication in Clinical Cancer Research validates Biodesix's ctDNA testing approach through the multi-stakeholder ctMoniTR Project. The research demonstrates a strong association between ctDNA changes and treatment outcomes across multiple solid tumor types, expanding beyond previous findings to advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. The new research now includes patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, widening potential applications.
The significance here is two-fold: first, it shows Biodesix's technology can effectively detect these clinically relevant biomarkers using Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR platform; second, it supports potential integration of ctDNA analysis in both therapeutic development programs and clinical care pathways. This aligns perfectly with Biodesix's existing service offerings, as they already provide ctDNA testing as part of their Development Services portfolio.
Notably, Biodesix is exploring combining ctDNA with proteomics for molecular residual disease (MRD) detection - an approach that addresses the critical challenge of identifying remaining cancer cells after treatment. This strategic direction targets a growing segment of cancer diagnostics focused on treatment monitoring and recurrence detection.
While this research strengthens Biodesix's scientific credibility in liquid biopsy diagnostics, the publication represents validation of existing approaches rather than announcing new products or commercial milestones.
Research expands ctDNA monitoring applications to more cancer types and treatments, validating Biodesix's approach without immediate clinical implementation.
This research significantly broadens the potential clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring beyond the previously established applications in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. By expanding to additional solid tumor types and patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the study demonstrates the versatility of this liquid biopsy approach across different cancer contexts.
The consistent finding of a strong association between ctDNA changes and overall survival addresses a major clinical challenge in oncology - the need for earlier treatment response assessment. Current standard-of-care relies heavily on imaging studies that typically require months to determine efficacy, potentially delaying crucial treatment modifications.
From a drug development perspective, this validation could support using ctDNA as an early efficacy biomarker in clinical trials, potentially accelerating therapeutic development timelines. The collaboration's breadth - involving industry, government, academia, and advocacy groups through Friends of Cancer Research - lends substantial credibility to these findings.
Biodesix's exploration of combining ctDNA with proteomics for molecular residual disease detection represents a sophisticated approach to post-treatment monitoring. This technique could potentially offer greater sensitivity than either approach alone for detecting minimal remaining disease.
While scientifically significant, the research doesn't specify timelines for clinical implementation or regulatory pathways, representing ongoing scientific progress rather than immediate clinical practice change.
Aggregate analysis of eight clinical trials of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) was supported by Biodesix, using Bio-Rad Droplet Digital™ PCR technology
LOUISVILLE, Colo. and HERCULES, Calif., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biodesix, Inc (Nasdaq: BDSX), a leading diagnostics solutions company, and Bio-Rad Laboratories (NYSE: BIO), a global leader in life science research and diagnostics products, contributed to new research findings from Friends of Cancer Research’s (Friends’) ctMoniTR Project, recently published in Clinical Cancer Research (CCR). The findings demonstrate a strong association between changes in levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and treatment outcomes, offering the potential for integration of ctDNA analysis in therapeutic development programs, and clinical cancer care.
The ctMoniTR Project (ctDNA to Monitor Treatment Response) was designed to determine whether changes in levels of ctDNA predict treatment outcomes for patients. Results from the first phase of the project demonstrated a strong link between changes in ctDNA and overall survival in patients with aNSCLC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology). The new data, from the second phase of ctMoniTR, expands the analysis to additional solid tumor types and treatment categories, including patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Led by Friends, collaborators included Biodesix alongside organizations from industry, government, academia, and advocacy groups. Biodesix contributed data generated using Bio-Rad Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR™) * technology to detect ctDNA from patient samples.
“Biodesix is proud to be a partner on this important project, which has the potential to support a transformation of therapeutic development and clinical cancer care,” said Gary Pestano, PhD, Chief Development Officer at Biodesix. “The ctMoniTR Project is aligned with the mission and vision of Biodesix Development Services, as we strive to challenge the science and solutions of today, in order to evolve and adapt clinical decision-making to improve patient care and outcomes.”
“We are very pleased that Droplet Digital™ PCR (ddPCR™) was selected for use within this study,” said Steve Kulisch, Vice President Product Management, Digital Biology Group, Bio-Rad Laboratories. “These collaborations and research programs are vital as we work towards establishing novel methods for molecular residual disease monitoring in oncology, supporting the advancement of scientific research and ultimately healthcare.”
Beyond this specific research project, Biodesix offers ctDNA testing, using ddPCR technology, as part of its Development Services portfolio and is also exploring ctDNA in combination with proteomics to detect molecular residual disease (MRD). The latest advancements in this application will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, April 28th, 2025.
*Droplet Digital and ddPCR are trademarks of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
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About Biodesix
Biodesix, Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSX) is a leading diagnostic solutions company, driven to improve clinical care and outcomes for patients. Biodesix Diagnostic Tests, including Nodify Lung® Nodule Risk Assessment and IQLung™ Cancer Treatment Guidance, support clinical decisions to expedite personalized care and improve outcomes for patients with lung disease. Biodesix Development Services enable the world’s leading biopharmaceutical, life sciences, and research institutions with scientific, technological, and operational capabilities that fuel the development of diagnostic tests, tools, and therapeutics across disease states. For more information, visit biodesix.com.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIO.B) is a leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. Based in Hercules, California, Bio-Rad operates a global network of research, development, manufacturing, and sales operations with approximately 7,700 employees and
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FAQ
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