The UK National health service will start today, the world’s biggest trial using GRAIL’s Galleri test to detect early signs of cancer in the blood. The NHS’s trial will involve more than 140,000 volunteers from several areas in England, and the process has been described as a simple blood test.
The Galleri™ test can detect more than 50 types of cancer
The pioneering study is crucial for preventing and detecting the early stages of cancer, even before people start experiencing symptoms. The Galleri™ test can detect more than 50 types of cancer and accurately predict the location of cancer in the body by analyzing the DNA in the blood. This can increase survival rates, and it is much needed for the early detection of aggressive types of cancer, such as lung cancer. According to recent numbers, lung, prostate, and breast cancers sum 45% of the UK’s cancer deaths. The NHS breakthrough study will screen blood samples with the Galleri test from half of the volunteers immediately, and it will analyze the DNA.
Illumina and GRAIL merge
Back in 2018, Illumina announced the intention to buy the healthcare company GRAIL. GRAIL company was to remain separate, and the idea behind the process was to accelerate the process and acquisition of the Galleri blood test. Last month, the process was completed for $7.1 billion.
According to the Galleri website, the test is crucial as 71% of cancer deaths are caused by types of cancer that are not usually screened for, and it is a simple and quick blood draw. The test is recommended for adults 50 or older or for those with a high risk of developing cancer. The company advises everyone to discuss with their health provider and determine what other analyses can be taken to detect other cancers not include on the Galleri list.