Revolutionary Blood Test Detects 50 Types of Cancer in NHS Trials

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. Known as the Galleri test, this innovative screening method has shown an accuracy rate of 62% in identifying potential cancer cases, according to a recent study. The test works by detecting DNA fragments in the bloodstream that have been shed by cancer cells, enabling early intervention before symptoms develop.

The potential impact of the Galleri test is significant. It not only identifies cancer at its earliest stages but also provides critical information about the specific organ or tissue from which the cancer originated, achieving an accuracy rate of 92%. These findings were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Berlin, highlighting the test’s promise in transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Early Detection and Cost Savings

The Pathfinder 2 study, which forms the basis of these findings, revealed that 61.6% of individuals who tested positive for a “cancer signal” were subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Notably, the Galleri test detected new cancers in more than half of the cases at stage I or II, and approximately 69.3% of cancers were identified at stages I through III. This early detection can lead to more effective treatment options, which are often less invasive.

The financial implications of the Galleri test are also noteworthy. By accurately ruling out cancer in 99.6% of individuals who do not have the disease, the test could significantly reduce the need for unnecessary follow-up scans and procedures, thus saving both time and resources within healthcare systems.

Integration with Regular Screening

The study examined how the Galleri test could complement existing cancer screening programs, such as those for breast and bowel cancer. Results indicated that integrating Galleri into regular screening could lead to a more than seven-fold increase in cancer detection within a year. Specifically, the test identified a cancer signal in 216 participants, with cancer being diagnosed in 133 of these cases.

Sir Harpal Kumar, president of International Business and BioPharma at Grail and former head of Cancer Research UK, expressed enthusiasm about the study’s findings. He stated, “We’re really very excited, and we think this is a further step along the way in really transforming cancer outcomes.” Kumar emphasized the importance of identifying cancers at earlier stages, which could pave the way for more effective treatments.

The NHS is set to conduct a trial to evaluate the Galleri test’s effectiveness in screening asymptomatic individuals, with results expected to be published in mid-2024. “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,” Kumar noted.

Research published in the journal BMJ Open in May indicated that an annual blood test for cancer could lead to 49% fewer late-stage diagnoses and 21% fewer deaths within five years compared to standard care. This reinforces the potential of the Galleri test as a vital tool in cancer care.

As awareness of the Galleri test grows, it may become a routine part of annual health assessments, particularly for individuals over the age of 50, when cancer cases typically rise. Sir Harpal Kumar concluded that the test could be more cost-effective for this demographic while also benefiting younger individuals with prior cancer histories or genetic predispositions.

The trial’s findings mark an important advancement in cancer screening, with the Galleri test offering hope for earlier, more accurate diagnoses, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.