Known as the Galleri Test, it is a multi-cancer early detection test. Unlike traditional cancer screening methods that specifically looks for only a single type of cancer, the Galleri test utilizes an array to detect any DNA that is shed by cancer into the blood, specifically, the methylation patterns of cell-free DNA.
In cancer, abnormal methylation patterns and the resulting changes in gene expression can contribute to tumor growth. Therefore, certain DNA methylation patterns can serve as a signal of cancer and provide information about the cancer signal’s origin. DNA methylation patterns are analogous to a fingerprint for a specific cancer type.
As such, the Galleri test can not only identify whether cancer is present, but also what type of cancer.
That said, the Galleri test is not meant to replace traditional screening tests which is still more accurate for a specific cancer type. But unlike traditional screening tests which can only detect one type of cancer (albeit very well), the Galleri test can detect over 50+ cancers including breast, colon, bone, cervix, esophageal, kidney, lung, throat, lymphoma, throat, etc. The full list can be found here.
How accurate is it? 99.5% specificity. 89% cancer original accuracy. 76.3% sensitivity.
At this time, the Galleri test is not FDA approved (yet) and not covered by insurance (yet). The test costs $949 as of 9/12/22. This test may be of benefit for those who are over 50 years old with a significant family history of cancer.
Considerations in the implementation of multicancer early detection tests. Future of Oncology. https://doi.org/10.2217/fon-2022-0120
The Potential Value-Based Price of a Multi-Cancer Early Detection Genomic Blood Test to Complement Current Single Cancer Screening in the USA. PharmacoEconomics (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-022-01181-3
Full list of peer-reviewed published research can be found here.
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