A multi-cancer early detection blood test has demonstrated the ability to identify 18 different cancer types with 90 percent accuracy in individuals without cancer symptoms, according to a study published in Nature Medicine.
"Early detection is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against cancer, and this test brings us closer to making that a reality for everyone," said Dr. Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, lead author of the study.
The test analyzes DNA fragments shed by tumors into the bloodstream, looking for methylation patterns characteristic of cancer cells. In the study of 14,000 participants, the test correctly identified cancer in 92 percent of cases while producing false positives in only 0.5 percent.
"The specificity is remarkable — a false positive rate of 0.5 percent means that for every 200 tests, only one healthy person would be incorrectly flagged," said oncology researcher Dr. Athena Poppas.
The FDA has granted breakthrough device designation for the test, expediting the review process. Grail has announced plans to submit the test for regulatory approval and expects a decision within 18 months.