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A blood test designed to detect more than 50 types of cancer was correctly able to identify two thirds of cancers among more than 5,000 people who had visited their GP with symptoms.
The Galleri test looks for abnormal DNA in the blood, which could signal possible cancer. The researchers hope the test could therefore pick up cancers at an early stage, which increases the chances of successful treatment.
The findings from the latest clinical trial have been described as “promising” by experts.
Test able to pinpoint original site of cancer
The study used data from more than 6,000 patients in England and Wales who had been referred to their GP for diagnostics following the presence of cancer symptoms.
In 85% of positive cases, the Galleri test was also able to pinpoint the original site of cancer, and the sensitivity increase with age and late stage cancer, with 95.3% accuracy for stage IV cancer.
NHS National Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: “This study is the first step in testing a new way to identify cancer as quickly as possible, being pioneered by the NHS – earlier detection of cancer is vital and this test could help us to catch more cancers at an earlier stage and help save thousands of lives.
“It also shows once again that the NHS is at the forefront of cutting edge, innovative technology.”
The trial results of a study which is looking at whether the test could identify cancer in people without symptoms are expected to be published next year.
How does the Galleri test work?
The Galleri test has been developed by the Californian firm Grail, and works by looking for cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in the blood, that is shed by tumour cells and healthy cells into the bloodstream.
The test uses genetic sequencing technology and AI to scan for patterns of chemical changes in the cfDNA that come from cancer cells but aren’t found in healthy cells.
At the moment, the technology is not available to any patients outside of clinical trials.
Further findings to be published at ASCO conference
Researchers from Oxford University told the BBC that the test remains a “work in progress”, and at the moment, it is not accurate enough to rule out cancer.
However, they say the test is still extremely helpful for identifying patients in the early stages of cancer, which is much easier to treat.
An in depth look at the study’s findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago.