Are You Aware of This Revolutionary Multicancer Early Detection Test?
A groundbreaking multicancer early detection test capable of screening more than 50 types of cancer is generating a significant amount of attention. However, not all doctors are convinced about its efficacy. Grail’s Galleri test, priced at $949 and not covered by most insurance plans, caters to the rising trend of affluent patients seeking early diagnostics. According to the Wall Street Journal, a concierge health service in New York offers Galleri testing as part of exclusive examination packages that include full-body MRIs and biological aging tests, costing between $5,000 and $20,000. More than half of their patients inquire about Galleri, and around 10% proceed with the test. The Financial Review suggests that these Multicancer Early Detection (MCED) tests could revolutionize cancer management and change the way the disease is tackled. Currently, Grail is one of roughly 20 companies participating in, or about to enter, the market.
Critiques and Controversies Surrounding Galleri Test
Although early detection has the potential to save lives—a case in point is a woman whose gallbladder tumor was detected through this test—some doctors are cautious about adopting Galleri until certain issues are resolved. One major concern is the high rate of false positive results (over half of the positives were later found to be false in one study), as well as false negatives. Doctors argue that false positives can cause anxiety and unnecessary expenses for additional testing, while false negatives may lead individuals to skip necessary screenings. Additionally, the test has not yet received approval from the FDA, and the American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend widespread screenings. Dr. Lori Minasian from the National Cancer Institute suggests adopting a wait-and-see approach, stating that there is currently insufficient evidence to fully support the use of the Galleri test.
The Perils of Human or Machine Error
In an unrelated incident, the New York Times reported that due to a software error, 400 individuals received letters containing false negative results this past May. Grail’s contracted vendor promptly identified the error and notified affected customers within 36 hours. Galleri, a liquid biopsy test, identifies cancer signals in DNA remnants left by tumors in the bloodstream. The test has sold approximately 130,000 units since its launch in 2021. The company acknowledges that the test is intended to supplement existing cancer screenings. Independent studies are being conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the test’s reporting, and efforts are underway to secure broader insurance coverage. (Incidentally, cancer cases among people under the age of 50 have risen by 79% since the 1990s).
