Institut für Hämatopathologie Hamburg

For patients

Detect residual cancer early with a simple blood sample.

HPH MRD detects tiny traces of remaining tumor DNA in blood and supports treatment decisions and follow-up care.

Background

What is ctDNA?

Tumor cells can release tiny fragments of their genetic material into the bloodstream – circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). After treatment, very small amounts of cancer cells can remain (minimal residual disease, MRD). HPH MRD detects matching ctDNA with a test tailored to the individual tumor.

When can HPH MRD help?

The test can provide additional information at several points in your treatment.

Before surgery

If treatment is given before surgery, HPH MRD may indicate how well it is working.

Monitor response

HPH MRD can help show how well immunotherapy or chemotherapy is working.

After surgery

MRD testing may help assess whether residual disease remains after surgery.

Follow-up

Recurrence may be detected earlier than with conventional methods.

About the test

How does the test work?

Your physician orders the test, a blood sample is taken, a personalized assay is built in the lab, and the result is returned to your physician.

Is the test painful?

The blood draw is similar to a routine blood test and is usually only briefly uncomfortable.

Is HPH MRD a screening test?

No. HPH MRD is not a screening test for healthy people.

Does it replace other tests?

No. It complements existing diagnostics and follow-up and does not replace them.

How often is testing done?

Your care team decides – often as part of planned follow-up or treatment monitoring.

Downloads & service

Guide

Plain-language explanation of what the test can do and how results can support conversations with your care team.

Download PDF

More information

You can reach us via the following contact details.

☎ +49 (0) 40 707085-200

mrd@hp-hamburg.de