Can measurable residual disease in multiple myeloma be monitored from blood?

A new publication led by Natalia Buenache as part of her PhD work explores the feasibility of detecting peripheral blood measurable residual disease in multiple myeloma using high-sensitivity ctDNA detection by next-generation sequencing.

📄 “Minimally invasive characterization of peripheral blood measurable residual disease in multiple myeloma using high-sensitivity detection of ctDNA by next-generation sequencing” LINK TO ARTICLE

In this study, the team evaluated peripheral residual disease monitoring as a minimally invasive alternative to bone marrow aspiration, applying Altum TRACKseq, Altum Sequencing’s tumor-informed NGS technology for ultra-sensitive ctDNA detection.

Why does it matter?

🔹 Multiple myeloma monitoring still relies heavily on bone marrow assessment

🔹 Liquid biopsy could provide a less invasive way to follow disease over time

🔹 ctDNA-based MRD may support patient stratification and longitudinal follow-up

🔹 High-sensitivity NGS can help detect residual disease signals from plasma

This work reinforces the potential of Altum TRACKseq to bring ultra-sensitive molecular monitoring closer to real-world hematology workflows, supporting more accessible and dynamic disease tracking in multiple myeloma.

Congratulations to Natalia Buenache and Joaquín Martínez-López, and all the clinical, translational and hematology teams involved in this collaborative work.

Because advancing MRD monitoring in multiple myeloma means making precision follow-up less invasive, more dynamic and closer to patients.