Britain is launching the world’s largest blood test for 50 cancers

LONDON, Sept. 13 (Reuters) – Britain’s State Health Service will launch the world’s largest test of the Galleri blood test, the flagship of Grail Inc (GRAL.O), which can be used to detect more than 50 types. of cancer before symptoms appear. .

The Galleri test analyzes a patient’s blood DNA to determine if any of them come from cancer cells. An earlier diagnosis of cancer leads to a drastic increase in survival rates.

The NHS said it wanted to recruit 140,000 volunteers in England to see how the test works as part of a randomized control trial. Half of the participants will have a blood test with the Galleri test immediately.

“We need to study the Galleri test carefully to see if it can significantly reduce the number of cancers diagnosed at a late stage,” said Peter Sasieni, a professor of cancer prevention at King’s College London.

“The test could change the game for early detection of cancer and we are delighted to lead this important research.”

Lung cancer is by far the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for about one-fifth of cancer deaths. Lung, bowel, prostate and breast cancers account for 45% of cancer deaths in the UK, according to the NHS.

The American life sciences company Illumina Inc. (ILMN.O) said last month that it had completed the Grail acquisition for $ 7.1 billion. Illumina said it will operate Grail separately from its existing business.

Reports from Guy Faulconbridge; Edited by Mike Harrison

Our standards: the principles of trust of Thomson Reuters.