Breakthrough Blood Test Could Spot Dozens of Cancers Before Symptoms Appear
A new type of blood test developed by GRAIL, Inc., called Galleri, has shown significant promise in detecting multiple cancers at an early stage, potentially altering the landscape of cancer screening. The study, conducted by researchers in California, found that the Galleri test can detect over 50 types of cancers, with a reported success rate of 75% in identifying these diseases without current screening options. More than half of the cancers detected were found in early stages I or II, which is a critical finding in the fight against cancer, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
The research team analyzed 23,161 participants aged 50 and older from the U.S. and Canada, who underwent standard cancer screenings, such as those for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. These participants also took the Galleri blood test, which is designed to detect cancer signals in the bloodstream. The study found that combining the Galleri test with standard screenings increased the cancer detection rate by more than seven times. This is a substantial increase, indicating that the Galleri test could complement existing screening methods and provide a more comprehensive approach to early cancer detection.
Dr. Nima Nabavizadeh, a study investigator and associate professor of radiation medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the results suggest a positive Galleri test should be taken seriously. He noted that the test accurately identifies the organ of origin of the cancer in 92% of cases, which could guide more effective diagnostic workups. Josh Ofman, president of GRAIL, Inc., stated that the Galleri test’s ability to pinpoint the source of cancer signals would aid in more efficient diagnostic processes and could revolutionize cancer screening at a population level.
Medical experts have voiced their support for the potential of the Galleri test. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News medical contributor, highlighted the importance of early detection in saving lives and reducing the overall cost of cancer care. She noted that the test adds a