A clinical study published this month has found that Natera’s Signatera blood test significantly outperforms standard computed tomography (CT) imaging in monitoring for recurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. The research, presented at a major oncology conference, showed that Signatera detected molecular residual disease with greater sensitivity and a longer lead time before clinical or radiological relapse.
MCC, though uncommon, has a recurrence rate of up to 40% within two years of initial treatment, making close surveillance critical. Current UK guidelines typically rely on periodic CT scans, which can miss small or early-stage recurrences. The Signatera test, which analyses circulating tumour DNA in a blood sample, identified recurrences a median of several months earlier than conventional imaging in the study cohort.
Dr. Helen Whitaker, a consultant dermatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “If these results are replicated in larger trials, it could transform how we follow up patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. Earlier detection means we can intervene sooner, potentially with less aggressive therapies.” She stressed that the test is not yet routinely available on the NHS.
For UK investors and pension holders with exposure to healthcare equities, the news underlines the growing commercial potential of liquid biopsy technologies. Natera, listed on the Nasdaq, saw its shares rise on the announcement, though the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices showed little direct movement as the company is US-based. The broader diagnostic sector, including UK-listed firms such as Abcam and Oxford Nanopore, may face increased competitive pressure to develop similar blood-based monitoring tools.
Natera has indicated it will seek regulatory approval for the MCC indication in Europe, including the UK, though a timeline has not been confirmed. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not yet received a submission for this specific use. If approved, the test could become part of a personalised surveillance programme for high-risk MCC patients, reducing the need for frequent radiation exposure from CT scans.