New data presented at ASH highlighted circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)‑based and flow cytometry‑based minimal residual disease (MRD) assays as prognostic tools across blood cancers and as candidate surrogate endpoints for accelerated approvals. Natera’s MRD tests showed ctDNA positivity at end‑of‑treatment predicted outcomes across lymphoma subtypes and outperformed PET scans in certain analyses. Separately, a pooled MRD dataset in AML suggested that MRD‑negative status prior to consolidation correlates with longer overall survival, supporting multiparameter flow cytometry MRD as an intermediate endpoint. Presenters framed MRD evidence as building on prior surrogate use in ALL and multiple myeloma. Regulators have used MRD as a basis for accelerated approvals previously; speakers argued the new ASH data could enable faster AML drug development if accepted by agencies.