GRAIL and Quest Diagnostics Team Up for Early Cancer Detection Test Access
In a significant step towards advancing cancer detection, GRAIL, Inc., in partnership with Quest Diagnostics, has announced that its multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, Galleri®, is now directly accessible to healthcare providers in the United States. This integration aims to streamline the ordering process for physicians and enhance patient access to this groundbreaking test, which can identify multiple cancer types before symptoms appear.
The Galleri test works by analyzing the unique DNA signatures shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. When a provider orders the test, patients can visit one of the approximately 7,400 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide for their blood draw—eliminating the need for them to bring a test kit, thus simplifying the entire procedure. This significant enhancement comes after a collaborative effort that began in 2021, with both organizations harboring a commitment to improving access to cancer screening.
Mark Gardner, Senior Vice President of Molecular Genomics and Oncology at Quest Diagnostics, expressed confidence that this integration will increase patient access and streamline ordering, reinforcing Quest’s pivotal role in scaling diagnostic innovations. The ability to order the Galleri test through Quest's connectivity system means that physicians can now incorporate it into their routine blood work orders, paving the way for broader implementation.
Given that nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths are attributed to cancers without recommended screening procedures, the Galleri test represents a vital tool in preventive care. It specifically targets patients aged 50 and older or those with an elevated cancer risk. With a single blood draw, the test can screen for several fatal cancers—including pancreatic, esophageal, ovarian, and liver—that typically lack standard screening protocols.
"By simplifying the ordering experience for busy providers and patients, we are confident that more healthcare professionals will integrate the Galleri test into routine check-ups, effectively increasing early detection rates, which can lead to more favorable outcomes," said Dr. Josh Ofman, President at GRAIL. This new ordering system stands to complement existing cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, rather than replace them.
The clinical implications of this integration are profound, as quick access to detailed test results could enable healthcare providers to pinpoint potential cancer sources, leading to timely intervention. This innovative approach aims not just to inform providers about cancer presence, but also to suggest specific areas for further investigation based on the type of cancer detected.
As healthcare continues to evolve towards more accessible and patient-friendly solutions, the partnership between GRAIL and Quest Diagnostics seems poised to set a precedent in cancer care. By removing barriers in test accessibility and enhancing physician workflows, this collaboration addresses critical gaps in the current healthcare model, contributing to a future where early cancer detection could become the norm rather than the exception.
The Galleri test is a prescription-only diagnostic tool recommended for adults at higher risk of cancer. Patients should discuss with their healthcare providers whether this test or any other screening is appropriate for them. As patients become increasingly proactive in their health management, innovations like the Galleri test serve as important devices for early intervention and better health outcomes.
As the healthcare community rallies towards the integration of advanced diagnostic tests, GRAIL and Quest Diagnostics represent a substantial shift towards more effective cancer detection capabilities and improved patient care—a pivotal move in the fight against cancer.