TITLE: Natera Builds AWS Platform for AI-Enhanced Cancer Care

Natera Advances Patient Care with AWS AI Platform

Natera, a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, has implemented an AI-first data infrastructure on Amazon Web Services to scale operations and improve personalized medical interventions in oncology, women's health and organ health.

The platform supports the processing of more than 54,000 tests weekly, generating approximately 1.6 petabytes of data from two laboratories. This modernization addresses the company's rapid growth since its founding in 2004, during which it has completed over 10 million diagnostic tests.

Cell-free DNA testing analyzes tumor DNA from blood samples to monitor cancer recurrence, screen for genetic conditions in pregnancies and assess organ transplant rejection risks. Natera's Signatera test, for instance, detects cancer indicators with high sensitivity before clinical symptoms or imaging reveal issues.

Patient Case Illustrates Impact

In one documented case, a patient named Brent, a young husband and father, underwent testing after a mountain bike accident revealed atypical cells. Biopsy confirmed stage three bladder cancer, leading to chemotherapy. His oncologist recommended Signatera's molecular residual disease test to track cancer signals post-treatment.

Over a year, the tests showed rising indicators. Signatera identified recurrence nine months ahead of what CT scans would detect, allowing proactive immunotherapy. Subsequent tests confirmed no detectable cancer, aiding Brent's recovery and family planning.

Such early detection potentially enables timelier interventions, improving outcomes for the over 18 million global cancer patients annually, according to data from the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization.

Company Mission and Challenges

Natera focuses on noninvasive genetic testing to inform precision medicine. "Our aim is to transform disease management worldwide by making personalized genetic testing a standard of care," said Mirko Buholzer, chief technology officer. "This helps patients live longer, healthier lives through targeted interventions."

As demand grew, Natera faced challenges in scaling data sharing, analytics and decision-making processes. The company turned to AWS to accelerate innovation with generative AI, optimizing data use to deliver faster treatments.

"We sought to enhance internal data sharing and leverage data for better analytics," Buholzer said. The AWS platform democratizes access to data, supporting high-quality diagnostics amid increasing patient volumes.

Broader Applications

Beyond oncology, Natera's tests aid in women's health by screening for conditions requiring treatment and in organ health by evaluating transplant rejection risks. All procedures involve standard blood draws, making them accessible.

The AWS infrastructure ensures robust performance and scalability, allowing Natera to meet worldwide needs while maintaining accuracy. Approved third parties assist with analytics but adhere to data privacy standards.

Natera's efforts align with broader trends in precision medicine, where AI integration in healthcare data platforms drives efficiency and personalization. The company continues to expand its reach, processing tests for providers globally to enhance patient outcomes.