Summary:
Personalis has expanded and extended its partnership with Tempus AI to include colorectal cancer in their exclusive commercialization of the NeXT Personal MRD test, aimed at earlier detection of cancer recurrence.

Takeaways:

  • Expanded Scope: The partnership now includes colorectal cancer alongside breast, lung, and immunotherapy monitoring indications.
  • Extended Agreement: The collaboration is now extended through 2029, with exclusivity across all four indications lasting until 2028.
  • Clinical Impact: Interim data from the VICTORI study supports the test’s effectiveness in detecting colorectal cancer recurrence, furthering Personalis’ goal to “Win in MRD.”

Personalis, Inc. has announced an expansion and extension of its strategic collaboration with Tempus AI, Inc., adding a new indication, colorectal cancer (CRC), to the existing, exclusive commercialization agreement. The update means Personalis and Tempus will now work to bring to market the NeXT Personal ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed minimal residual disease (MRD) test to detect cancer recurrence in four areas: breast, lung and colorectal cancers, and solid tumor immunotherapy monitoring. The addition of CRC follows the presentation of compelling interim analysis results from the VICTORI study at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which demonstrated strong performance of NeXT Personal for detecting early signs of residual or recurrent CRC.

Colorectal Cancer Affects More than 150,000 Annually

Colorectal cancer affects over 150,000 new patients in the US annually, with many patients experiencing recurrence after initial treatment.

Personalis has amended its agreement with Tempus to further accelerate the adoption of NeXT Personal. The updated terms will:

  • Expand the collaboration by adding CRC as the fourth indication for which Tempus will serve as Personalis’ exclusive commercial partner
  • Extend the term of the initial agreement to November 2029
  • Lengthen the period of Tempus’ exclusivity for all four indications through 2028

“This deepened collaboration is a key component of our ‘Win in MRD’ strategy,” says Chris Hall, CEO of Personalis. “Every day, thousands of cancer survivors live with the uncertainty of whether their cancer will return. By expanding our collaboration with Tempus to include CRC, we’re bringing peace of mind to more patients while building the evidence needed for broad reimbursement coverage for multiple indications.”

Collaboration Aims to Provide New Tool to Oncologists

By combining Personalis’ highly sensitive MRD testing platform with Tempus’ extensive market reach, the collaboration aims to equip oncologists with a powerful new tool to detect cancer recurrence earlier and manage their patients with a more personalized approach.

“The clinical performance we’re seeing across cancer types demonstrates that ultra-sensitive detection fundamentally changes how we can monitor cancer patients,” Hall says. “With Tempus’ reach to over 50% of U.S. oncologists, we’re accelerating access to technology that gives both physicians and patients the information they need when it matters most.”

Featured Image: Ivan Shidlovski | Dreamstime.com