Mayo Clinic developing blood test that can spot more than 50 types of cancer at all Stages

• Galleri, which is not covered by insurance, costs $949 and must be ordered by a licensed health care provider
• The test, known as Galleri, was created in partnership with Menlo Park, California-based biotechnology and pharmaceutical company Grail.
• Currently, recommended cancer screenings in the U.S. only cover five different types of cancer and can only screen for one type at a time. According to Grail, 71% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers that are not commonly screened for.
• “The test uses next-generation sequencing and machine-learning algorithms to analyze methylation patterns of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the bloodstream, which can carry cancer-specific information. DNA methylation is a process used by cells to regulate gene expression. If a cancer signal is detected, Galleri will pinpoint where in the body the cancer is coming from to help health care providers determine the appropriate next steps for patient treatment.Currently, recommended cancer screenings in the U.S. only cover five different types of cancer and can only screen for one type at a time. According to Grail, 71% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers that are not commonly screened for. “
• Results typically come about two weeks after the blood draw. Galleri is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older, and should be used in addition to other routine cancer screening tests, such as a colonoscopy or mammograms.

(Excerpt from Fox News.)

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