Can Galleri Detect Cancer in Blood Work?

In the ever-evolving medical technology landscape, early cancer detection remains one of the most critical challenges. One promising development is the Galleri blood test, which aims to revolutionize cancer screening by detecting multiple types of cancer through a single blood draw. While this article is not sponsored and does not serve as an endorsement, it seeks to thoroughly understand Galleri, its effectiveness, and the types of cancer it screens for.

What is Galleri?

Galleri claims to be a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test. It was developed by GRAIL, a healthcare company focused on pioneering technology to detect cancer early. The test analyzes the methylation patterns of DNA in a blood sample to identify abnormal changes associated with cancer. This approach is based on the premise that cancer cells shed DNA into the bloodstream, which can be detected long before symptoms appear.

How Does Galleri Work?

Galleri uses next-generation sequencing and machine learning to analyze DNA fragments in the blood. The test looks explicitly for methylation patterns, which are chemical modifications to DNA that regulate gene expression. Abnormal methylation patterns can indicate the presence of cancer and, in many cases, provide information about the tissue of origin.

Effectiveness of Galleri

The effectiveness of Galleri has been the subject of various studies, including the Circulating Cell-free Genome Atlas (CCGA) study, which is one of the most extensive clinical genomics studies ever conducted. Results from this study have shown that Galleri can detect over 50 types of cancer with a high degree of accuracy. The sensitivity of the test varies depending on the type of cancer and its stage. Still, Galleri has demonstrated promising results in detecting cancers that are typically hard to diagnose early.

According to a study published in the Annals of Oncology in June 2021, Galleri showed a specificity of 99.5%, meaning the test has a low false-positive rate. The study also reported that the test could detect cancer signals across more than 50 types of cancer with a sensitivity of 67.3% for stages I-III and 76.3% for stage IV cancers.

Types of Cancer Detected by Galleri

Galleri is designed to detect a broad range of cancers, including those often challenging to diagnose early through traditional screening methods. According to the GRAIL website, here is a list of the 50 types of cancer that Galleri claims it can screen for:

1. Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
2. Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
3. Anus Carcinoma
4. Appendix Carcinoma
5. Bile Duct Carcinoma
6. Bladder Carcinoma
7. Bone Sarcoma
8. Breast Carcinoma
9. Cervix Uteri Carcinoma
10. Colon and Rectum Carcinoma
11. Corpus Uteri Carcinoma
12. Esophagus Carcinoma
13. Gallbladder Carcinoma
14. Gastric Carcinoma
15. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
16. Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasms
17. Head and Neck Carcinoma
18. Heart Sarcoma
19. Intrahepatic Bile Duct Carcinoma
20. Kidney Carcinoma
21. Larynx Carcinoma
22. Leukemia
23. Liver Carcinoma
24. Lung Carcinoma
25. Melanoma
26. Mesothelioma
27. Myeloma
28. Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Carcinoma
29. Nasopharynx Carcinoma
30. Nervous System Carcinoma
31. Neuroendocrine Tumors
32. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
33. Oral Cavity Carcinoma
34. Ovary Carcinoma
35. Pancreas Carcinoma
36. Penis Carcinoma
37. Peritoneum Carcinoma
38. Plasma Cell Neoplasms
39. Pleura Carcinoma
40. Prostate Carcinoma
41. Retina Carcinoma
42. Retroperitoneum Carcinoma
43. Small Intestine Carcinoma
44. Soft Tissue Sarcoma
45. Testis Carcinoma
46. Thymus Carcinoma
47. Thyroid Carcinoma
48. Urinary Tract Carcinoma
49. Uterus Carcinoma
50. Vulva Carcinoma

Potential Benefits and Considerations

The potential benefits of Galleri are significant. Early detection of cancer can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. By identifying cancers that currently lack effective screening methods, Galleri has the potential to fill critical gaps in cancer care.

However, it is essential to approach new medical technologies with careful consideration. The Galleri test is not yet a replacement for standard cancer screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears, which remain vital tools in early cancer detection. Additionally, the cost of the Galleri test and insurance coverage are factors that patients and healthcare providers need to consider.

Cost and Payment Options

While promising, the Galleri test comes with an out-of-pocket cost of $949. Currently, a limited number of health insurance plans cover the test, making it an out-of-pocket expense for many patients. However, GRAIL offers a flexible payment plan to assist those on limited budgets. This plan allows for 0% interest payments for up to 12 months, making it more accessible to a broader range of patients. To learn more about enrolling in the flexible payment plan, patients can call GRAIL Customer Service at 833-694-2553 or visit www.galleri.com for more information.

Conclusion

This is neither a sponsorship or an endorsement, however, Galleri represents a promising advancement in cancer detection, offering the possibility of identifying multiple cancers through a single blood test. While the early data on its effectiveness is encouraging, further research and real-world application will be necessary to carefully understand its impact and integration into routine medicine.

As with any medical decision, patients must discuss with their healthcare providers to determine the best screening and diagnostic strategies for their individual needs.

References

1. GRAIL’s Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test Data Published in the Annals of Oncology
2. GRAIL’s Galleri test shown to detect multiple types of cancer
3. www.galleri.com