NCCN Recommends ctDNA-MRD Testing Using Signatera™ Technology in Landmark Bladder Cancer Guideline Update

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NCCN Category 1 recognition for Signatera-guided adjuvant treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)

Marks third NCCN guideline recommendation on ctDNA-MRD testing, following positive guideline changes in merkel cell carcinoma and diffuse large b-cell lymphoma

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA and precision medicine, today announced that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has updated its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Bladder Cancer to include tumor-informed multiplex PCR circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the treatment algorithm for patients with MIBC.

The updated guidelines state that the Panel “recommends the consideration of ctDNA-MRD testing as a tool for risk stratification and to determine the use of adjuvant immunotherapy after cystectomy in patients who have not received previous immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment using an FDA-approved, personalized, tumor-informed, multiplex PCR-NGS assay for ctDNA.”

For the first time, NCCN Guidelines recognize that personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA-MRD has emerged as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in MIBC – a significant step forward from previous guidance.

Signatera is based on personalized, tumor-informed, mPCR-NGS technology. This technology is patented and proprietary to Natera, and cited in numerous publications. In addition, Signatera was the MRD test used in the landmark IMvigor011 trial, which generated the Phase 3 evidence needed to move the field to this much stronger recommendation. That evidence is now reflected in a Category 1 recommendation for Signatera-guided adjuvant atezolizumab, initiated at MRD-positivity within 1 year post-cystectomy. Category 1 recommendations are NCCN’s highest designation.

“This guideline update marks an important turning point for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer,” said Matthew D. Galsky, M.D., deputy director of the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, director of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, and co-director of the Center of Excellence for Bladder Cancer at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center. “For the first time, NCCN has incorporated ctDNA-MRD testing into clinical decision-making following cystectomy. These recommendations are supported by prospective phase 3 evidence showing that a ctDNA-guided approach, using Signatera, can help guide post-surgical treatment decisions.”

“These recommendations reflect years of work to generate the clinical evidence establishing MRD as a clinically actionable and predictive tool,” said Kevin Masukawa, Ph.D., vice president, life cycle management, oncology at Natera. “The IMvigor011 study is an important example of how Signatera-generated evidence can help change clinical practice, and we believe this guideline update is just the beginning of a broader shift toward MRD-guided cancer care.”

In May 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Signatera™ CDx as a companion diagnostic to identify patients with MIBC who are ctDNA-MRD positive and may benefit from treatment with adjuvant immunotherapy.

About Natera

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA and precision medicine, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. We aim to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard-of-care to protect health and inform earlier, more targeted interventions that help lead to longer, healthier lives. Natera’s tests are supported by more than 400 peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate excellent performance. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, Texas, and San Carlos, California, and through Foresight Diagnostics, its subsidiary, operates an ISO 27001-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory certified under CLIA in Boulder, Colorado. For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not a representation that Natera’s plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent Natera’s expectations as of the date of this press release, and Natera disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including with respect to our efforts to develop and commercialize new product offerings, whether the results of clinical or other studies will support the use of our product offerings, the impact of results of such studies, our expectations of the reliability, accuracy, and performance of our tests, or of the benefits of our tests and product offerings to patients, providers, and payers. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in "Risk Factors" in Natera’s recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and in other filings Natera makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available at www.natera.com/investors and www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623843077/en/

Investor Relations: Mike Brophy, CFO, Natera, Inc., investor@natera.com
Media: Lesley Bogdanow, VP of Corporate Communications, Natera, Inc., pr@natera.com

Source: Natera, Inc.