Innovative Blood Test Using SWIFT-seq Offers Less Invasive Diagnosis for Multiple Myeloma

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have introduced a groundbreaking blood test named SWIFT-seq that promises to revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor conditions such as Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM). Unlike traditional methods that rely on painful and invasive bone marrow biopsies, SWIFT-seq uses advanced single-cell sequencing technology to analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) directly from blood samples, providing a comprehensive genetic profile of the disease.

The study, published in Nature Cancer, demonstrates that SWIFT-seq can accurately detect CTCs in about 90% of patients with MGUS, SMM, or MM, including 95% of those with SMM and 94% of newly diagnosed MM patients. The ability to enumerate and characterize these cells based on their molecular barcode distinguishes this test from existing techniques like flow cytometry, which depend on cell surface markers.

This innovative approach not only counts circulating tumor cells but also assesses their genetic alterations, proliferation capacity, and gene expression signatures—all from a single blood draw. Such detailed insights enable improved risk stratification, disease monitoring, and potentially guide personalized treatment strategies.

Senior author Dr. Irene M. Ghobrial highlighted the significance of this development, stating that SWIFT-seq could outperform traditional FISH tests by providing a more accurate, less invasive method for genetic surveillance. Co-first author Dr. Romanos Sklavenitis-Pistofidis emphasized its potential to be a major advancement in myeloma diagnostics and patient care.

By capturing tumor biology and progression markers through a simple blood test, SWIFT-seq offers a promising alternative to standard biopsies, facilitating earlier detection, better risk assessment, and more tailored treatment plans, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and deepen understanding of myeloma biology.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-blood-multiple-myeloma-alternative-bone.html