Overview

• Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, introduced as early as one month post-transplant, has reduced the need for invasive biopsies by 95% during the first few years after surgery.
• The technology identifies donor heart injury or rejection risk through small DNA fragments in the bloodstream, providing earlier and more precise detection.
• Molecular testing allows for personalized immunosuppressive therapy, reducing medication dosages for low-risk patients and minimizing side effects such as infections, kidney impairment, and cancer risk.
• Remote monitoring enabled by molecular diagnostics improves patient access to care, reducing the need for frequent visits to transplant centers and enhancing quality of life.
• Ongoing research explores expanding molecular assays to include gut microbiome profiling, early cancer detection, viral screening, and gene expression analysis to further optimize post-transplant care.