New genomic technologies for multi-cancer early detection: Rethinking the scope of cancer screening

Cancer Cell. 2022 Feb 14;40(2):109-113. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.01.012. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Abstract

Cancers other than breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung do not have guideline-recommended screening. New multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests-using a single blood sample-have been developed based on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or other analytes. In this commentary, we review the current evidence on these tests, provide several major considerations for new MCED tests, and outline how their evaluation will need to differ from that established for traditional single-cancer screening tests.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor*
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / methods
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / standards
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Genomics / standards
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Organ Specificity

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor