Cell-free DNA cancer test trial results announced at conference

The results of a clinical trial designed to determine if a cell-free DNA cancer test can reduce the amount of time between initial detection of cancer and diagnosis were announced by GRAIL at ESMO Congress 2022, Paris, France on 11 September. 

Using next-generation sequencing of the cell-free DNA sampled from over 6600 participants, the company used machine learning to analyse the methylation patterns on cells collected using a blood test to create an algorithm that can be used to detect if cell-free DNA is from a cancerous tumour and where in the body it originates from. Calling this test the Galleri test, GRAIL then carried out a clinical trial to determine if the test could speed up diagnosis of cancer.

Peer-reviewed results of the trial are expected next year, and the results announced at the conference showed the trial had detected cancers in 92 participants, and further investigation had confirmed cancer in 35 of those participants.

Analysis of the findings can be read in the BMJ.