Multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, can be challenging to diagnose and monitor due to the need for painful biopsies and limited testing options. Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a blood test called SWIFT-seq that could transform diagnosis and monitoring by providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
The new test uses single-cell sequencing to profile circulating tumor cells in the blood, allowing doctors to assess risk and monitor genetic changes without the need for biopsies. In a study involving 101 patients, SWIFT-seq successfully captured CTCs in 90% of those with multiple myeloma precursor conditions and identified key genetic changes that can predict patient outcomes.
This breakthrough test provides several advantages over existing methods, including:
* A detailed genetic profile that identifies crucial gene patterns
* The ability to estimate tumor growth rates
* Prognostically useful gene signatures from a single blood sample
The introduction of SWIFT-seq offers significant hope for improved patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of myeloma biology. With its minimally invasive nature, this test could revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/sponsor/2025/12/06/groundbreaking-blood-test-for-multiple-myeloma