An analysis by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer casts doubt on validity of an endpoint used in key studies of multi-cancer detection tests.
NCI has launched a clinical trials network to evaluate emerging technologies for cancer screening. The Cancer Screening Research Network will support the Biden-Harris administration’s Cancer Moonshot by investigating how to identify cancers earlier.
Multi-cancer detection tests evoke conflicting reactions—the excitement at their promise is quickly dampened by concerns over the uncertainty of their clinical benefit, very low sensitivity for detecting stage 1 cancers, and the risks that come from subsequent workups.
On June 22, Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which would grant Medicare the authority to cover multi-cancer early detection tests once they are approved by FDA.
GRAIL LLC presented final results from the interventional PATHFINDER study, which evaluated multi-cancer early detection screening using a blood test and the clinical care pathways following a “cancer signal detected” MCED test result in 6,662 individuals aged 50 years or older, an age group at elevated risk for cancer.