TrilliumBiO and Oncobit have launched Oncular, a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)–based assay for uveal melanoma. The test is designed to provide longitudinal molecular monitoring of disease using a blood sample, with the aim of complementing imaging-based surveillance in patients with uveal melanoma. It is intended to provide quantitative assessment of tumor-derived DNA over time to inform clinical management across the disease course.

Oncular uses personalized digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with cloud-based analytical tools to evaluate ctDNA dynamics, including molecular residual disease status, longitudinal trends, and early molecular signals of response or progression. According to the companies, these changes may be detectable before radiographic evidence of disease progression. The test is performed within TrilliumBiO’s regulated laboratory infrastructure.

The assay is built on a platform that has been evaluated in prior studies in metastatic uveal melanoma, where ctDNA dynamics were reported to correlate with treatment response and disease progression. The companies said these findings support the clinical relevance of the approach for ongoing monitoring. RP