Why MRD and WGS Are Game Changers for Myeloma Treatment

For a long time, the goal of treating multiple myeloma was to reach a "complete response." This meant that using standard medical tests, doctors could no longer see signs of the disease. We now know that even when a test looks clear, a tiny number of cancer cells can sometimes remain in the body. To help people stay healthy for longer, researchers have developed better tools that can see what standard tests might miss.

What is MRD?

MRD stands for minimal (or measurable) residual disease. Think of it as a super-sensitive magnifying glass for your health. While older tests might only see large groups of cells, MRD tests can find a single myeloma cell among hundreds of thousands of healthy ones.

This is a major "game changer."  MRD gives a much clearer picture of how well a treatment is working. In 2024, the FDA reached a milestone by recognizing that an MRD-negative result is a very strong sign of clinical benefit, which helps new and better medicines reach patients faster than ever before. Read more about MRD in myeloma.

A study recently published in the journal Blood shows how much these tools have improved. Researchers tested a new approach that uses a simple blood draw to track the disease instead of only using bone marrow biopsies. This study found that by analyzing blood DNA, doctors could detect the disease returning or growing months before other tests could. This new method, called MRDetect, proved to be highly accurate and provided a more comfortable way for patients to stay updated on their health

What is WGS?

WGS stands for whole genome sequencing. Every cancer cell has its own unique "instruction manual" or DNA. WGS reads that entire manual to identify the specific fingerprints of the disease.

In the past, getting this information required a bone marrow biopsy, which can be uncomfortable. However, new research shows we can now use a simple blood draw for the MRDetect test. This blood test can track the disease by matching it to the fingerprints found in the original marrow, making the process much easier for the person receiving care.

Why these are game changers for you

These tools are changing the way we approach myeloma for several reasons:

• Easier Testing: Using a blood draw (peripheral assessment) instead of repeated bone marrow biopsies reduces discomfort and makes it simpler to monitor health regularly.
• High Sensitivity: This method can detect very low levels of the disease that other tests might overlook.
• Earlier Warnings: These tests can find signs of the disease returning three to six months before older methods would notice a change, giving you and your doctor more time to make a plan.
• Personalized Tracking: Because the test is based on your specific disease "fingerprint," it can track changes and growth over time with great accuracy.
• Better Clarity: While bone marrow tests only look at one spot, blood travels through the whole body, which may give a more complete update on your health.

Looking toward the future

We are entering an era where we don't have to wait for symptoms to change to know how a treatment is performing. By using MRD and WGS, patients and doctors can have more honest, clear, and helpful conversations about the best next steps.

Join us at the Miami Myeloma MRD 2026 meeting on April 10!

The Myeloma Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is hosting this special event in collaboration with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), and HealthTree Foundation.

Come meet our founder, Jenny Ahlstrom, and Dr. Ola Landgren to hear from leading experts about how these tests are helping people live longer, healthier lives.

REGISTER FOR EVENT

Source:

• Whole genome sequencing of cell-free DNA for assessment of minimal residual disease in high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma.