Quest Diagnostics Circulating Tumor DNA Testing Instructions
- August 16, 2024
- Quest Diagnostics
Table of Contents
Quest Diagnostics Circulating Tumor DNA Testing
Product Information
Specifications
- Product Name: Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Testing Kit
- Application: Biomarker for minimal residual disease
- Target Users: Patients with colon cancer
- Intended Use: Guide treatment decisions in stage II colon cancer patients
Product Usage Instructions
Background
The ctDNA testing kit is designed to assist healthcare providers in determining the need for adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in stage II colon cancer patients. The kit detects circulating tumor DNA, which serves as a biomarker for minimal residual disease.
Methods and Results
Healthcare providers can use a decision-tree model to compare payer costs when deciding on ACT based on clinical evaluation only or clinical evaluation combined with ctDNA testing. The kit includes all necessary components for the collection and analysis of ctDNA.
Cost Savings
According to a study published in JAMA Health Forum, adopting ctDNA-guided treatment for colon cancer can lead to significant cost savings for both commercial health plans and Medicare Advantage plans. The first-year cost savings for both types of plans are outlined in the provided table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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How does ctDNA testing impact payer budgets for patients with colon cancer?
CtDNA testing can help reduce unnecessary adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colon cancer patients, leading to cost savings for payers by avoiding the side effects of ACT. -
Where can I find more information about Quest Diagnostics publications?
For more information about Quest Diagnostics publications, please visit the Clinical Education Center.
Key Summary of Published Article
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Testing
Payer cost savings
How does ctDNA testing affect payer budgets when used to guide treatment in patients with colon cancer?
Background
Post-surgical testing of ctDNA, a biomarker for minimal residual disease, can reduce unnecessary adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in stage II colon cancer patients, thus avoiding side effects of ACT. Since little is known about how ctDNA testing may affect the total cost of routine patient care, investigators compared payer budgets for scenarios in which ctDNA testing is adopted vs not adopted.
Methods and Results
A decision-tree model was developed to compare payer costs when ACT use is guided by (1) clinical evaluation only vs (2) clinical evaluation or ctDNA testing. Payer costs over 1 year, including cost of ctDNA testing and treatment, were assessed at various testing adoption rates. Costs were assessed for both commercial health and Medicare Advantage plans with 1 million covered members.
Compared to clinical evaluation only, adoption of ctDNA-guided treatment of colon cancer is projected to reduce costs for health plan payers.
1. Li Y, Heer AK, Sloane HS, et al. Budget impact analysis of circulating tumor DNA testing for colon cancer in commercial health and Medicare Advantage plans. JAMA Health Forum. 2024;5(5):e241270. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.1270
For more information about Quest Diagnostics publications, please visit the Clinical Education Center.
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