#USA #MD Anderson #Quest Diagnostics #Secaucus #multi-cancer test

Quest Diagnostics Launches Multi-Cancer Blood Test Initiative

In a groundbreaking development in cancer care, Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), a prominent provider of diagnostic information services, has partnered with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to establish a multi-cancer stratification blood test. This advanced technology aims to assess individuals' elevated risks for various cancers, facilitating timely medical screenings for those at risk.

Collaboration Details

The agreement delineates Quest Diagnostics’ commitment to develop and validate a laboratory-developed blood test utilizing circulating protein biomarkers indicative of high cancer risk. This innovative test will focus on cancers such as colorectal, lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, prostate, esophageal, and stomach cancer. The initiative leverages the cutting-edge Multi-Cancer Stratification Test (MCaST) developed by Dr. Samir Hanash and his research team at MD Anderson, who have identified specific biomarkers through extensive clinical research involving tens of thousands of study participants.

Quest Diagnostics intends to refine this technology, transforming MCaST into a comprehensive blood test that can provide critical insights into patients’ health. If successful, the test could become available to healthcare providers across North America by 2026, potentially revolutionizing how cancer risk assessments are conducted.

Significance of the Test

The proposed blood test is not designed to replace traditional cancer screening methods but to complement them. Conventional screenings often target only a limited number of cancer types, frequently involving invasive procedures that deter patient participation. According to statistics, just 51% of U.S. adults report having undergone routine medical check-ups or cancer screenings within the past year.

Mark Gardner, Senior Vice President of Oncology, Genomics, and Research and Development at Quest, noted, “One of the biggest issues in cancer care is patients forgoing necessary preventive screenings due to the invasiveness and associated costs.” He emphasized the urgency of creating accessible testing alternatives, particularly for rare but deadly cancers like pancreatic cancer.

By utilizing proteomics research from MD Anderson, Quest plans to develop an easily accessible blood test that many patients can afford. An elevated risk identification may motivate patients to seek further screening or evaluation, ideally catching cancers in their early stages when they are more treatable.

The Path Forward

Quest Diagnostics is optimistic about enhancing cancer detection through this initiative. With potential commercialization rights upon successful validation, the collaboration emphasizes the necessity for accessible healthcare solutions in cancer screening. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the partnership between Quest and MD Anderson symbolizes a proactive approach to addressing critical gaps in cancer detection and treatment.

With more than 55,000 employees, Quest Diagnostics plays an essential role in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, providing vital diagnostic insights to countless individuals and healthcare providers. The company’s commitment to creating a healthier world is encapsulated in their mission of improving health outcomes and empowering better health decisions.

This collaboration represents not just an advancement in available testing but a significant leap forward in making preventive care more accessible and effective in the battle against cancer. By ensuring that patients can comfortably engage with their health screenings, Quest Diagnostics continues to lead initiatives that prioritize patient needs and innovative care solutions.