Exciting results from blood test for 50 cancers

A major trial in North America has revealed that the Galleri blood test, developed by US pharmaceutical firm Grail, can detect a wide range of cancers—many of which currently have no screening programmes. The test identified cancer in over 60% of positive cases and correctly ruled it out in more than 99% of negatives.

Crucially, more than half of the cancers were caught at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The test works by detecting fragments of cancerous DNA circulating in the blood and was able to pinpoint the cancer’s origin in 90% of cases.

When used alongside existing NHS screening methods, the number of cancers detected increased seven-fold. The NHS is currently trialling the test with 140,000 patients, with results expected next year. If successful, the programme could expand to one million people.

Experts say the test could revolutionise cancer screening, but caution that more research is needed to confirm whether early detection leads to reduced mortality. Full trial results will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology congress in Berlin.