mrd-edge-detection-agent

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---
name: 'mrd-edge-detection-agent'
description: 'Ultra-sensitive AI-powered molecular residual disease detection using MRD-EDGE deep learning for sub-0.001% VAF ctDNA detection and early relapse prediction.'
measurable_outcome: Execute skill workflow successfully with valid output within 15 minutes.
allowed-tools:
  - read_file
  - run_shell_command
---


# MRD-EDGE Detection Agent

The **MRD-EDGE Detection Agent** implements the MRD-EDGE (Enhanced Detection of ctDNA through Genomic Error suppression) deep learning algorithm for ultra-sensitive molecular residual disease detection. This AI-powered approach achieves unprecedented sensitivity in predicting cancer recurrence, detecting ctDNA at levels below 0.001% VAF with zero false negatives in validation studies.

## When to Use This Skill

* When standard ctDNA assays show negative but MRD is suspected.
* For ultra-sensitive post-surgical MRD monitoring.
* To detect relapse at the earliest possible timepoint.
* When monitoring therapy response in minimal disease settings.
* For research studies requiring highest sensitivity MRD detection.

## Core Capabilities

1. **Ultra-Sensitive Detection**: Detect ctDNA at 0.0001-0.001% VAF levels.

2. **Deep Learning Error Suppression**: AI-powered sequencing error filtering.

3. **Integrated Noise Modeling**: Patient-specific background noise estimation.

4. **Multi-Feature Integration**: Combine mutations, fragmentation, methylation.

5. **Zero False Negative Design**: Optimized for sensitivity while controlling specificity.

6. **Longitudinal Tracking**: Monitor MRD over time with confidence intervals.

## MRD-EDGE Algorithm Components

| Component | Function | Improvement |
|-----------|----------|-------------|
| Error Suppression Network | Deep learning noise filter | 10x sensitivity |
| Duplex Consensus | UMI-based error correction | 100x error reduction |
| Fragment Analysis | Tumor fragment enrichment | 2-3x signal boost |
| Integration Model | Multi-feature Bayesian fusion | Improved accuracy |

## Sensitivity Comparison

| Method | LOD (VAF) | False Negative Rate |
|--------|-----------|---------------------|
| Standard NGS | 1% | High |
| UMI-corrected | 0.1% | Moderate |
| Tumor-informed panels | 0.01% | Low |
| MRD-EDGE | 0.001% | Near-zero |

## Workflow

1. **Input**: Deep sequenced cfDNA (>30,000x), tumor WES, matched normal.

2. **Preprocessing**: UMI deduplication, duplex consensus, quality filtering.

3. **Noise Modeling**: Patient-specific error profile estimation.

4. **Feature Extraction**: Mutations, fragments, methylation signals.

5. **Deep Learning Inference**: MRD-EDGE neural network prediction.

6. **Bayesian Integration**: Combine features with uncertainty.

7. **Output**: MRD probability, detected variants, confidence intervals.

## Example Usage

**User**: "Run MRD-EDGE analysis on this post-surgical colorectal cancer patient's plasma sample."

**Agent Action**:
```bash
python3 Skills/Oncology/MRD_EDGE_Detection_Agent/mrd_edge_detect.py \
    --cfdna_bam plasma_cfDNA.bam \
    --tumor_vcf primary_tumor_mutations.vcf \
    --normal_bam matched_normal.bam \
    --coverage_depth 50000 \
    --cancer_type colorectal \
    --model_weights mrd_edge_v2.pt \
    --output mrd_edge_results/
```

## Input Requirements

| Input | Requirement | Purpose |
|-------|-------------|---------|
| cfDNA BAM | >30,000x depth, UMI-tagged | ctDNA detection |
| Tumor VCF | WES/WGS mutations | Tumor-informed tracking |
| Normal BAM | Matched germline | Background subtraction |
| Coverage Depth | Minimum 30,000x | Sensitivity threshold |

## Output Components

| Output | Description | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------|
| MRD Probability | 0-1 probability of MRD | .json |
| MRD Call | Positive/Negative with CI | .json |
| Detected Variants | Variants contributing to call | .vcf |
| Feature Scores | Per-feature contributions | .csv |
| Noise Profile | Patient error model | .json |
| Visualization | MRD landscape plot | .png |

## Deep Learning Architecture

| Layer | Function | Parameters |
|-------|----------|------------|
| Variant Encoder | Per-variant feature extraction | 2M |
| Attention Layer | Cross-variant relationships | 1M |
| Noise Classifier | Error vs true mutation | 5M |
| Integration Head | Multi-feature fusion | 2M |
| Output Layer | MRD probability | 100K |

## Feature Categories

| Category | Features | Weight |
|----------|----------|--------|
| Mutation Signal | VAF, read count, strand bias | Primary |
| Fragment Features | Size, end motifs, coverage | Secondary |
| Sequence Context | Trinucleotide, mappability | Noise correction |
| Patient Background | Germline, CHIP, noise | Specificity |

## Clinical Validation

| Study | Cancer Type | Sensitivity | Specificity | Lead Time |
|-------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-----------|
| CRC Validation | Colorectal | 100% (5/5) | 95% | 10 months |
| Lung Validation | NSCLC | 95% | 92% | 6 months |
| Breast Validation | Breast | 93% | 94% | 12 months |

## AI/ML Components

**Error Suppression Network**:
- Convolutional layers for sequence context
- Recurrent layers for read-level features
- Attention for cross-read patterns

**Bayesian Integration**:
- Prior from tumor mutational burden
- Likelihood from detected signals
- Posterior probability of MRD

**Training Strategy**:
- Semi-supervised with spike-in controls
- Hard negative mining from CHIP
- Transfer learning across cancer types

## Prerequisites

* Python 3.10+
* PyTorch 2.0+
* UMI-tools, fgbio for UMI processing
* bcftools, samtools
* MRD-EDGE model weights
* High-memory compute (>64GB RAM)
* GPU recommended

## Related Skills

* ctDNA_Dynamics_MRD_Agent - Longitudinal MRD tracking
* Liquid_Biopsy_Analytics_Agent - Comprehensive liquid biopsy
* CHIP_Clonal_Hematopoiesis_Agent - CHIP filtering
* Tumor_Heterogeneity_Agent - Clonal tracking

## Quality Control Metrics

| Metric | Threshold | Interpretation |
|--------|-----------|----------------|
| Mean Coverage | >30,000x | Sensitivity adequate |
| Duplex Rate | >20% | Error suppression possible |
| cfDNA Input | >30ng | Sufficient material |
| Tumor Mutations Tracked | >10 | Robust detection |
| Background Noise | <0.001% | Specificity maintained |

## Special Considerations

1. **Sample Quality**: Requires high-quality cfDNA extraction
2. **Sequencing Depth**: Deep sequencing essential for sensitivity
3. **CHIP Exclusion**: Must filter clonal hematopoiesis variants
4. **Tumor Heterogeneity**: Track clonal and subclonal mutations
5. **Timing**: Sample >2 weeks post-surgery for clearance

## Clinical Decision Support

| MRD-EDGE Result | Recommended Action |
|-----------------|-------------------|
| MRD+ (high confidence) | Consider adjuvant therapy |
| MRD+ (low confidence) | Repeat testing in 4-6 weeks |
| MRD- (high confidence) | Surveillance per guidelines |
| MRD- (low confidence) | Consider repeat testing |

## Author

AI Group - Biomedical AI Platform


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