Guest Commentary: National Cancer Research Month: Understanding multi-cancer early detection tests
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Millions of lives are impacted by cancer every year, and early cancer screening remains one of the most powerful tools we have in improving health outcomes and survival. With May being National Cancer Research Month, it is an opportune time to examine the advantages of cancer screening and consider future developments in the field.
An overview of traditional cancer screenings
Cancer screening tests are intended to detect cancer at its earliest stages - ideally before any symptoms arise - when treatment is typically most effective. These evidence-based, standard-of-care screenings are strongly supported by medical professionals and major health organizations.
Cancer screening methods generally fall into three primary categories:
• Imaging tests, which utilize advanced technology to visualize internal organs and tissues.
• Physical examinations, conducted by health care providers to identify physical signs of cancer, such as lumps or skin changes.
• Laboratory tests, which analyze bodily fluids or tissue samples for markers of cancer.
These screening tools are considered effective because they meet key criteria: they facilitate early detection, contribute to a reduction in cancer-related mortality when used consistently, and, overall, provide greater benefit than risk to patients.
Multi-cancer early detection tests
One exciting possible breakthrough in cancer screening is the potential of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. This new class of blood-based screening tools could complement and enhance existing standard cancer screening methods. But what exactly are MCED tests, and how do they fit into the bigger picture of cancer care?
While traditional, standard-of-care cancer screening tests are a vital part of your health care, they do have some limitations, such as only screening for a few types of cancer. This is where MCED tests could be a future solution. These tests analyze a single blood sample for biological signs, also known as biomarkers, that may indicate the presence of multiple types of cancer - even those for which there's currently no approved screening.
Some MCED tests use liquid biopsy technology to look for fragments of DNA, RNA, or proteins released by cancer cells. The hope is that a simple blood draw could one day help detect dozens of cancers, including pancreatic, ovarian, kidney and liver, long before symptoms appear.
Proceed with caution: MCED tests are a tool, not a replacement
MCED tests are a promising step forward in advancing cancer detection and care. However, it's important to understand that MCED tests are not a replacement for recommended cancer screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, or Pap smears. Instead, MCED tests may complement these traditional screenings as part of a broader early detection strategy.
While MCED tests are currently available to physicians and consumers, there are some key considerations:
1. They are not approved by experts. No MCED tests have been approved by the FDA, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or any professional medical societies.
2. They are still in the early stages of clinical use. While research is encouraging, MCED tests are not yet part of any standard medical guidelines.
3. They may produce false positives or negatives. Similar to any screening test, MCED tests are not perfect.
4. They don't pinpoint a specific diagnosis. MCED tests can detect a cancer signal and may provide a likely tissue of origin, but they do not diagnose cancer.
5. The accessibility and cost may vary. These tests are not yet covered by most insurance plans and come with a high out-of-pocket cost.
As science continues to evolve, MCED tests could one day become a standard part of early cancer detection. Until that day comes, they should be approached with hope and a healthy dose of caution - and a discussion with a trusted health care provider.
-- Kathy Tolentino is executive director of the Fort Myers-based Partners in Care Foundation. To learn more, visit yourpartnersincare.org.