FDA Clears clonoSEQ to Detect MRD in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
This article was originally published by AJMC
Adaptive Biotechnologies received its third approval from the FDA for the use of its next-generation sequencing assay to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
The assay, clonoSEQ, uses a proprietary immunosequencing platform to monitor for MRD, where a small number of cancer cells remain during and after treatment. It is difficult to detect without precise, sensitive tools, and can lead to a recurrence of disease.
The approval follows a decision by CMS in January to pay for cloneSEQ testing for CLL, in addition to multiple myeloma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nearly 80% of US patients with CLL are age 65 or over.