Labcorp announced that its Plasma Detect MRD assay was highlighted in two peer‑reviewed oncology studies published on November 19, 2025. The first study, appearing in Nature Medicine, evaluated the assay in patients with diffuse pleural mesothelioma and demonstrated that ctDNA monitoring could track early disease progression and predict long‑term progression‑free survival. The second study, published in Clinical Cancer Research, focused on head and neck cancer surgery and showed that lymph fluid collected from surgical drains contained more tumor DNA than peripheral blood, enabling the assay to detect residual cancer in patients with locoregional recurrence.
The validation of Plasma Detect in these studies underscores its clinical utility and supports the company’s strategy to expand the assay from its 2024 launch for biopharma clinical trials to broader clinical use. By combining immunotherapy with ctDNA monitoring, the mesothelioma study suggests a new paradigm for perioperative treatment, while the head and neck study highlights a novel application of lymph fluid testing that could guide immediate post‑operative management.
Labcorp’s vice president and medical lead for oncology, Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, emphasized the significance of the findings: “These studies underscore the clinical utility of Labcorp Plasma Detect in advancing cancer research. By demonstrating its ability to track early disease progression, predict long‑term outcomes, and identify residual cancer in challenging contexts, our MRD technology provides critical insights that can inform future treatment strategies and improve understanding of tumor biology.” The quote reflects the company’s confidence that the assay will play a pivotal role in precision oncology.
The announcement was well received by investors, reflecting confidence in the assay’s potential to enhance Labcorp’s oncology portfolio. The validation aligns with the company’s recent Q3 2025 earnings, which showed adjusted EPS of $4.18—exceeding expectations—and a 9% year‑over‑year revenue increase. Although Labcorp trimmed its full‑year revenue guidance, the positive reception of the assay’s validation suggests that the company’s investment in advanced diagnostics is viewed as a growth driver.
The global cancer diagnostics market is sizable and projected to expand, positioning Labcorp to capture increasing demand for precision tools. The Plasma Detect assay’s ability to detect molecular residual disease from circulating tumor DNA, using whole‑genome sequencing and machine learning, differentiates it from competitors and supports the company’s broader strategy to lead in high‑value oncology diagnostics.
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