NHS trial blood test for 50 cancer types shows signs of success

A blood test which can detect more than 50 cancer types showed signs of success in a recent NHS trial.

Of the 5,000 people who had sought medical advice for suspected symptoms, the test accurately diagnosed two out of every three cancers. 

Furthermore, it was able to pinpoint the site of the cancer in 85% of positive cases. 

The Galleri blood test works by looking for abnormal DNA shed from cancer cells into the bloodstream. 

Early detection of cancer can dramatically improve survival rates and save lives. 

Cancer Research UK has described the trial’s results as ‘promising’ and having shown ‘encouraging initial data’.

“The test was 85% accurate in detecting the source of a cancer – and that can be really helpful because so many times it is not immediately obvious when you have got the patient in front of you what test is needed to see whether their symptoms are down to cancer,” added lead researcher Professor Mark Middleton.

“With that prediction from the test, we can decide whether to order a scope or a scan and make sure we are giving the right test the first time.”

What’s next? 

So far, the majority of the research around the Galleri test has focused on those with a confirmed cancer diagnosis and is not yet available outside of clinical trials. 

Another limitation of the test is that, thus far, it is not very effective at picking up stage 1 cancer. This is because tumour-derived cfDNA usually increases in concentration as a cancer advances. 

The NHS trial is now using the Galleri test in thousands of people without symptoms to see if it can detect hidden cases.

If successful, a further one million UK citizens will be offered the test between 2024 and 2025. 

Dr David Crosby, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The findings from the study suggest this test could be used to support GPs to make clinical assessments – but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes.”

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.”

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