Revolutionary Blood Test Detects 50 Types of Cancer in NHS Trial

A groundbreaking blood test designed to detect over 50 types of cancer is currently being trialled within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The test, known as Galleri, has demonstrated a 62% accuracy rate in identifying cases where individuals may have cancer, according to findings from the Pathfinder 2 study.

This innovative test screens for cancer by detecting traces of DNA shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. It aims to identify the presence of multiple cancers, often before symptoms arise, which could lead to earlier and more effective treatment options. The Galleri test can be administered annually and has already shown promise in ruling out cancer in individuals who do not have the disease.

The study indicates that 61.6% of those who received a positive result for a “cancer signal” were later diagnosed with cancer. In addition, the test accurately pinpointed the organ or tissue of origin in 92% of cases, potentially streamlining the diagnostic process and reducing unnecessary further testing. Notably, more than half (53.5%) of new cancers identified by Galleri were in the earliest stages (I or II), with over two-thirds (69.3%) detected at stages I through III.

While the Galleri test is not a direct treatment for cancer, it significantly enhances the chances of detecting the disease at an earlier stage, where treatment options are often less invasive and more effective. Furthermore, it provides reassurance for those who test negative, accurately ruling out cancer in 99.6% of participants without the disease, thus saving time and resources.

The findings from the trial are being presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Berlin. Sir Harpal Kumar, president of International Business and BioPharma at Grail, which developed Galleri, expressed optimism about the results. He stated, “We’re really very excited and we think this is a further step along the way in really transforming cancer outcomes.”

The study evaluated how Galleri could be integrated into real-world medical settings alongside standard screening programs for cancers such as breast and bowel cancer. The results suggested that incorporating Galleri into routine screenings could lead to a more than seven-fold increase in cancer detections within a year. Specifically, the test detected a cancer signal in 216 individuals, with cancer ultimately diagnosed in 133 of them.

An NHS trial is set to further explore the effectiveness of Galleri in screening asymptomatic individuals, with results expected to be published in mid-2024. Sir Harpal emphasized the potential benefits, stating, “Assuming we do get positive results from NHS Galleri, the opportunity to find substantially greater numbers of cancers before they present clinically means we should be able to find a lot more of them at an earlier stage.”

Modelling suggests that Galleri could serve as an annual blood test for individuals aged 50 and older, as cancer incidents notably rise in this demographic. Sir Harpal noted, “Our analysis would suggest it’s going to be more cost-effective from age 50 upwards.” He also mentioned that younger individuals with a history of cancer or genetic predispositions might also benefit from this testing.

Research published in the journal BMJ Open in May highlighted that an annual blood test for cancer could result in a 49% reduction in late-stage diagnoses and a 21% decrease in five-year mortality rates compared to standard care. The advancements represented by the Galleri test could significantly alter the landscape of cancer detection and treatment, heralding a new era in personalized healthcare.