Quest Diagnostics Expands Cancer Monitoring Capabilities in Europe with HPH MRD Test

On October 17, 2025, MVZ HPH Institute for Pathology and Hematopathology GmbH announced the launch of its new tumor-informed circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood test, branded as HPH MRD. This innovative test, designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with solid tumor cancers, is based on the Haystack MRD® technology developed by Quest Diagnostics® (NYSE: DGX) and licensed through Haystack Oncology, a subsidiary of Quest.

The HPH MRD test represents a significant advancement in cancer monitoring, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to identify ultralow levels of ctDNA in patients. With exceptional sensitivity and specificity, this test allows for the reliable detection of residual or recurrent disease, which is crucial for effective patient management.

The testing will be conducted in HPH's laboratories located in Hamburg, Germany, ensuring that clinicians can access next-generation MRD testing locally. This development is poised to improve clinical implementation and facilitate the timely delivery of test results, crucial elements in the management of cancer treatments.

Prof. Markus Tiemann, CEO of MVZ HPH, expressed the institute's dedication to enhancing cancer care through high-quality diagnostic tools. "By licensing Haystack's groundbreaking MRD technology to develop our own test in our local Hamburg laboratory, we can now offer our patients access to testing that was previously only available abroad, with potentially faster results," he stated.

This commitment underscores the importance of personalized cancer care, which is increasingly reliant on advanced diagnostic technologies to tailor treatment strategies for individual patients.

ctDNA MRD testing is revolutionizing cancer treatment by providing molecular evidence of disease that often eludes standard imaging techniques. Typical cancer care involves surgery followed by chemotherapy; however, small traces of cancer can remain and lead to recurrence. The ability to detect tumor-derived DNA fragments in the bloodstream empowers clinicians to make timely and informed treatment decisions based on evidence rather than conjecture.

Dan Edelstein, Vice President & General Manager of Haystack Oncology, highlighted the gap in access to MRD technologies for patients and physicians in Europe. "Patients and physicians in Europe have lacked convenient access to the most sensitive MRD technologies," he stated. "Our licensing agreement with HPH is an important step toward making next-generation MRD testing part of routine care beyond the U.S."

The launch of the HPH MRD test marks a pivotal moment for cancer diagnostics in Europe, providing a locally available, high-sensitivity tool for monitoring minimal residual disease in solid tumors. With the backing of Quest Diagnostics and Haystack Oncology, MVZ HPH is positioned to significantly enhance the landscape of cancer care, empowering clinicians with the insights needed for personalized treatment approaches.

As the healthcare ecosystem continues to evolve, innovations such as the HPH MRD test will play a critical role in improving health outcomes and advancing the field of oncology.