Multi-cancer early detection (Galleri)
Diagnostics · Blood-based cancer screening
Tier C-
What this is
NHS-Galleri 2026 (n=140000, Cancer Discov reporting) — the first large randomized trial of MCED — DID NOT meet its primary endpoint of reducing late-stage cancers, though researchers note this may reflect surrogate-endpoint design rather than test failure. PATHFINDER 2023 (n=6662) reported PPV 43% and cancer detection rate 1.4%. Combined picture: the test detects signal but has not yet demonstrated clinical benefit. Expensive out-of-pocket. Best interpreted alongside conventional screening, not as replacement. The MCED category remains promising but no longer has a positive Phase 3-equivalent readout to lean on.
Mechanism
Cell-free DNA methylation profiling from blood; detects signal from 50+ cancer types; low sensitivity for localized disease but valuable for systemic signal; developed by Grail
Dose & route
Annual screen in high-risk >50
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35398349/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37156701/
- https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-NW2026-0025
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