{
  "id": 19252865,
  "title": "Illumina Offers Early Access to Duplex Sequencing for MRD, Tumor Evolution Research",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/illumina-offers-early-access-to-duplex-sequencing-for-mrd-tumor",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-09T23:57:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GEN Biotechnology",
    "slug": "gen-biotechnology",
    "url": "https://www.genengnews.com/topics/omics/illumina-offers-early-access-to-duplex-sequencing-for-mrd-tumor-evolution-research/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Illumina has introduced an early access program for a sequencing workflow that can detect trace amounts of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma samples, which is crucial for studying molecular residual disease (MRD) and tumor evolution. The research-use-only workflow, which will ship kits in the first quarter of 2027, utilizes duplex chemistry to confirm each base call using both complementary strands of the DNA molecule. This approach increases confidence that observed changes are biological rather than errors introduced during library preparation or sequencing. The workflow combines the NovaSeq X sequencing platform with DRAGEN bioinformatics software, resulting in quality scores above Q65. DRAGEN then generates duplex consensus reads, optimizes quality scores, and investigates thousands of tumor-specific variants across the genome. The technology can detect ctDNA at 2.5 parts per million and supports 5-10 ng of cell-free DNA input. Researchers need this capability to find the faintest traces of tumor DNA, especially in early-stage, low-shedding, or low-mutation-burden tumors. Cande Rogert, vice president of global head of advanced science at Illumina, emphasized the importance of this early access technology in advancing MRD research. NYU Langone Health is among the early users, applying the approach to MRD research to generate evidence with a non-bespoke approach.",
  "summary": "Illumina has announced an early access program to a duplex sequencing workflow that reads both DNA strands to detect trace ctDNA in molecular residual disease and tumor evolution studies. Kits are expected in early 2027. The post Illumina Offers Early Access to Duplex Sequencing for MRD, Tumor Evolution Research appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}