The growing role of Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) testing in cancer diagnosis and monitoring will be the focus of an upcoming OncoDaily webinar, “Seismic Shift: Innovations in MRD Testing and Pathology,” scheduled for November 6, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM PT.
Organized by OncoDaily in partnership with Natera, the virtual event will examine recent technological advances in MRD testing, their clinical applications, and the evolving role of pathology in supporting precision oncology.
The session will feature Joe Lennerz, Medical Director for Pathology Innovations at Natera, and will be hosted by Sona Karamyan of OncoDaily.
Beyond Conventional Diagnostics: The Changing Role of MRD Testing
Molecular Residual Disease testing is increasingly influencing how cancer is monitored and how treatment decisions are informed. Advances in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and personalized molecular testing are creating new opportunities to identify residual disease and monitor changes in tumor burden beyond the capabilities of conventional diagnostic approaches.
The webinar will examine how these developments are contributing to a transition from population-based risk stratification toward more individualized cancer monitoring.
Particular attention will be given to emerging liquid biopsy methodologies, high-sensitivity digital platforms, and dynamic biomarker tracking across solid and hematologic malignancies.
From Molecular Innovation to Clinical Application
A central focus of the discussion will be the technological progress supporting modern MRD testing.
The session will address innovations in multi-modal testing approaches, personalized ctDNA technologies, and molecular monitoring strategies, with an emphasis on their potential clinical applications.
Participants will also examine improvements in analytical sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround times associated with contemporary MRD assays, including comparisons with traditional histology and established molecular diagnostic methods.
These developments raise important considerations for the integration of molecular testing into routine oncology practice, particularly regarding test performance, clinical interpretation, and the reliability of diagnostic results.
The Pathology Perspective: Improving Workflows and Standardization
Beyond advances in testing technology, the webinar will address the practical requirements for incorporating MRD testing into pathology and clinical laboratory workflows.
Tissue stewardship, specimen logistics, and standardized reporting will be among the principal topics discussed.
The session will explore strategies for improving specimen handling, supporting efficient laboratory processes, and establishing structured reporting protocols that promote consistency across institutions.
Attention will also be directed toward maintaining testing reliability and improving inter-laboratory standardization as molecular diagnostic technologies become increasingly integrated into cancer care.
Expert Perspectives: Joe Lennerz Joins OncoDaily
The webinar will feature Joe Lennerz, Medical Director for Pathology Innovations at Natera, who will discuss the technological advances and clinical strategies influencing the development of MRD testing.
His presentation will examine the relationship between emerging molecular diagnostic technologies and pathology practice, including opportunities to improve testing performance and address limitations associated with conventional diagnostic methods.
The discussion will be hosted by Sona Karamyan of OncoDaily.
About Natera
Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, specializing in molecular diagnostics for oncology, women’s health, and organ health. The company develops personalized genetic testing technologies designed to support clinical decision-making and improve patient care.
In oncology, Natera’s Signatera is a personalized, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test designed to detect and monitor molecular residual disease (MRD). Through its work in precision diagnostics, Natera continues to advance the clinical application of molecular testing in cancer management.
Learn more at natera.com.
Who Should Attend?
The webinar is intended for oncologists, surgical and molecular pathologists, clinical laboratory directors, diagnostic researchers, and other healthcare professionals interested in the clinical integration of modern MRD testing methodologies.
The session will provide an opportunity to examine recent developments in molecular diagnostics and consider practical strategies for incorporating MRD testing into oncology and pathology workflows.
Event Details and Registration
- Event: Seismic Shift: Innovations in MRD Testing and Pathology
- Date: November 6, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PT
- Platform: X (OncoDaily)
- Presenter: Joe Lennerz, Medical Director for Pathology Innovations at Natera
- Host: Sona Karamyan, OncoDaily
- Partner: Natera
- Registration: Open
The webinar is organized by OncoDaily in collaboration with Natera, a company specializing in cell-free DNA and personalized MRD technologies.
Registration is now open. Healthcare professionals and researchers interested in advances in MRD testing and pathology are invited to join the discussion.
Register for Seismic Shift: Innovations in MRD Testing and Pathology
