2023-11-18 12:55:00
“National Cancer Institute of the United States to Study Popular Cancer Screening Test Kit in 2024”
The MCED, or Multi-cancer early detection, test kit which screens for more than 50 types of cancer has been gaining popularity in the United States. However, with the lack of clear evidence on its reliability, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the United States will begin studying the test kit in 2024.
The test kit works by looking for signs of cancer cells in DNA and is aimed at affluent consumers due to its expensive price tag of nearly 1,000 dollars. From its launch in June 2021 until 2023, the Galleri brand claims to have sold over 130,000 kits. Despite its high cost, the test has found success stories, including a case where it successfully detected a cancerous tumor in a patient.
However, doctors warn about the risks associated with the test kit, noting that there may be false positive results and false negatives. A study published in The Lancet reported that more than half of the participants who tested positive for cancer had no signs of cancer after further hospital screenings. With these concerns, the US FDA and the US Preventive Services Task Force have not approved the MCED test.
Dr. Laurie Minasian, Deputy Director of the Cancer Prevention Division at the US National Cancer Institute, emphasized the lack of scientific evidence regarding the reliability of the test. The American Academy of Family Physicians and Dr. Latasha Celiby Perkins from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital said they do not recommend the test due to concerns about its effectiveness and high costs.
The NCI plans to study the cancer screening test in 2024 to assess its feasibility and its potential to reduce death from cancer. With both success stories and skepticism surrounding the test, the medical community will be eagerly awaiting the results of the NCI’s study.]
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