Haystack Oncology

The company's core business revolves around its tumor-informed minimal residual disease (MRD) test, Haystack MRD™. This product is a next-generation sequencing-based test designed to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of patients after cancer surgery and treatment. The process begins with whole-exome sequencing of a patient's tumor tissue to identify specific mutations. A personalized diagnostic panel is then created to search for these unique markers in a blood sample. The technology's high sensitivity allows it to detect as few as one mutant DNA molecule in a million, enabling the identification of residual, recurrent, or resistant disease earlier than many other methods. This early detection can help oncologists make more informed decisions about the necessity of adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy, potentially avoiding unnecessary treatment for some patients while ensuring others receive timely intervention.

Haystack Oncology primarily serves biopharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. For its biopharma clients, the technology is used to accelerate clinical development programs by providing molecular insights into therapeutic responses. For healthcare providers, the Haystack MRD test is used as a clinical laboratory service to guide personalized treatment decisions, monitor treatment response, and conduct recurrence surveillance. In November 2022, the company launched with a $56 million Series A financing round led by Catalio Capital Management. A major milestone occurred in June 2023, when Quest Diagnostics acquired Haystack Oncology for $300 million in cash, with up to an additional $150 million contingent on performance milestones. Now a subsidiary of Quest, Haystack's technology is being integrated into Quest's extensive network to broaden accessibility, with an initial focus on developing tests for colorectal, breast, and lung cancers.