‘Multi-cancer’ blood tests coming to some GP surgeries

A government-backed study led by the University of Birmingham aims to evaluate the accuracy of blood tests designed to detect multiple types of cancer, with a view to potentially expanding their use across the NHS. These multi-cancer detection blood tests have been explored before, though the concept itself is not new.

One such test, Galleri, was previously evaluated in a separate NHS trial but did not achieve its primary objective of reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses. Researchers, however, continue to explore other possible benefits that this test might offer. Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, emphasized the challenge of diagnosing abdominal cancers early since their symptoms often resemble those of less serious illnesses.

Early detection improves treatment outcomes and survival rates significantly. Each year in England, approximately 71,000 people receive diagnoses of cancers such as pancreatic, stomach, liver, ovarian, or bowel cancer, and nearly 35,000 deaths result from these diseases. The new STRIDE-RCT trial is focused on diagnosing various cancers, including those affecting the bowel, small bowel, stomach, oesophagus, pancreas, liver, bile duct and gallbladder, ovaries, endometrium, kidneys, bladder, and prostate.

During the trial, patients will visit their GP to provide one or two blood samples alongside routine clinical tests. Scientists will analyze these samples for indications of cancer and may also be able to identify the tumor’s location within the body if cancer is present. It is important to note that a positive test result does not automatically confirm cancer, nor does a negative result provide an absolute guarantee of the absence of disease. Health secretary Yvette Cooper expressed optimism that straightforward blood tests like these could help identify individuals requiring urgent follow-up investigations much earlier. Michelle Mitchell from Cancer Research UK highlighted the importance of the trial, stating, “GPs have long needed better tools to help them navigate that uncertainty by identifying which patients require further testing and this trial in England is an important step towards addressing that need.