Novel Non-Invasive Liquid Biopsy Assay Enables Monitoring of Multiple Myeloma Patients

Multiple myeloma ranks as the second most common type of blood cancer, affecting a global population of over 170,000. This cancer targets plasma cells, which primarily exist in the bone marrow, and leads to their uncontrolled growth. Managing multiple myeloma is particularly challenging because patients often experience relapses, making it an incurable condition. A crucial aspect in monitoring this disease is the concept of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD), which refers to the undetectable traces of cancer cells that remain in the bone marrow post-treatment and can eventually cause a relapse. MRD status serves as a vital indicator of how well a treatment is working and could influence future treatment choices.

To enhance the management of multiple myeloma, especially as new treatments are being developed, there's an immediate need for more sensitive MRD tests that can be done through blood samples. Current tests usually require bone marrow samples, which are invasive to collect and not practical for regular check-ups. To fulfill this need, Sebia (Paris, France) has launched M-inSight, its serum-based MRD test for monitoring multiple myeloma. M-inSight is a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) being offered by Corgenix, which is a CAP-accredited, CLIA-licensed clinical laboratory and part of the Sebia Group.

M-inSight is a personalized, targeted mass spectrometry assay that is designed to detect the monoclonal protein (M-protein) secreted by the patient’s tumor cells in serum with unprecedented sensitivity. The technology is based on clonotypic peptides mass spectrometry, which avoids the interference with the polyclonal background leading to an ultra-sensitive test. Currently, Sebia is the only global partner covering the process of M-protein testing from initial detection to MRD and is also developing other liquid biopsy tests such as Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) and new biomarkers.

“We are proud to launch M-inSight to improve the management of multiple myeloma and quality of life for patients, as well as assisting in the drug development and validation process”, said Dr. Pierre Sonigo, chief scientific officer at Sebia. “By testing in serum with equivalent sensitivity to bone marrow, we will solve current challenges in multiple myeloma MRD-testing, allowing for a more frequent and reliable monitoring of response to treatment.”

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