DETROIT – A single blood test called Galleri MCED can now detect multiple types of cancer, and the test will soon be available to Detroiters.
Henry Ford Health will be the first provider in the state to offer this test, marking a big step forward in early cancer detection.
“One of the main causes of mortality with cancer is the fact that we are not able to pick cancer and detect it early,” said Chief Clinical Officer at Henry Ford Health Adnan Munkarah, M.D.
The test can cover up to 50 different cancers and detect cancer when in the early stages.
“We are entering an era of unprecedented ability to detect cancer at its earliest stages, which may ultimately help save many lives,” wrote Munkarah in a news release. “Diagnosing and treating cancer at an earlier stage often leads to more favorable outcomes. We are excited to offer this MCED blood test, which research shows can detect a cancer signal shared across more than 50 types of cancer through a single blood draw.”
Once the test is officially rolled out to the general public those 22 or older, not pregnant and have no history of having cancer or treatments in the past three years can be eligible to utilize the newest screening.
According to Galleri, 71% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for.
Below is a list of cancers that can be detected from the Galleri test:
- Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
- Ampulla of Vater
- Anus
- Appendix, Carcinoma
- Bile Ducts, Distal
- Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic
- Bile Ducts, Perihilar
- Bladder, Urinary
- Bone
- Breast
- Cervix
- Colon and Rectum
- Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction
- Gallbladder
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
- Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasms
- Kidney
- Larynx
- Leukemia
- Liver
- Lung
- Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- Melanoma of the Skin
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural
- Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses
- Nasopharynx
- Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Appendix
- Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Colon and Rectum
- Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
- Oral Cavity
- Oropharynx (HPV-Mediated, p16+)
- Oropharynx (p16-) and Hypopharynx
- Ovary, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneum
- Pancreas, exocrine
- Penis
- Plasma Cell Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders
- Prostate
- Small Intestine
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Abdomen and Thoracic Visceral Organs
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Head and Neck
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Retroperitoneum
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremities
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unusual Histologies and Sites
- Stomach
- Testis
- Ureter, Renal Pelvis
- Uterus, Carcinoma and Carcinosarcoma
- Uterus, Sarcoma
- Vagina
- Vulva
“We believe that multi-cancer early detection tests like Galleri are the new front on the war against cancer and will enable us to dramatically increase cancer detection from screening in the population, with the goal of improving public health,” wrote Chief Executive Officer at GRAIL Bob Ragusa in a news release. “We are excited to work with Henry Ford Health in adding Galleri as a complement to U.S. guideline-recommended cancer screenings.”
According to Henry Ford Health, this test is currently not covered by insurance since it is part of the PATHFINDER 2 Study. To see if you are eligible for the study, click here.
The Galleri is only available by physician order, and results are received within 10 business days.
As cancer cases in the United States have been decreasing, an estimated 1.9 million new cases will be reported in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.
“We were always dreaming to come to a point where we have a test that is simple enough that it’s able to at least start telling us is there a signal, " said Munkarah.
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