In a Nutshell: What You Need to Know About Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED)
A paradigm shift in cancer screening is emerging – a revolutionary approach called Multi-cancer Early Detection (MCED), which many refer to as the liquid biopsy. It is an innovation that may transform cancer screening through
- detecting cancer in its earliest stage, before any cancer symptoms present
- detecting as many as 50 different types of cancers from a single blood draw
- detecting cancers that currently do not have recommended screening
- enabling cancer treatment at the early stage with improved survival
- preventing cancer in those with high risks
- improved accuracy by combining advanced biotechnologies, including high throughput sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI)
What Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) is and is not
Is | Is not |
|---|---|
Is a non-invasive test that measures biological signals1 released from the site of developed cancer into body fluids | Is not a genetic test that predicts cancer risks |
Is a test that predicts the localization of cancerous tissue with high accuracy | Is not a test that detects all cancers |
Is intended to complement existing guideline-recommended cancer screening, such as CT scans, mammograms and diagnostic workups | Is not a confirmatory diagnostic test that replaces guideline-recommended cancer screening |
Is a test that can only be ordered by a healthcare provider | Is not a direct-to-consumer product |
Is offered as laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) by some companies | Is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
Is a test with false-positive and false-negative results |
1 Examples of biomarkers or cancer signals: Protein, antibodies, DNA, RNA and the abnormal biochemical patterns of these molecules. Source: GRAIL, NIH Division of Cancer Prevention
Though heralding many promises, there are uncertainties for new technologies like MCED. The extent of economic benefits on population health by recommending MCED tests to people with elevated cancer risks, is unknown. Several clinical trials are underway to test the effectiveness of MCED tests in detecting cancers to obtain regulatory approval. Being the first to enter the market, GRAIL’s Galleri aims to submit final data for FDA’s approval in 2023.
Speaking on a webinar, Seema Singh Bhan, senior VP of public policy at Thrive Earlier Detection (part of Exact Sciences), said that "over 70 percent of cancers are detected at late-stage”.
“No therapy is as effective as earlier detection,” she paraphrased Dr. Bert Vogelstein, her panel speaker.
She added, “Now we’re at this inflection point where the focus on early detection has the potential to significantly improve cancer outcomes by intervening at an earlier stage.”
The podcast below explains and discusses the benefits and considerations when administering MCED tests.
