The Future of Cancer Detection:

Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Screening Tests

The field of oncology continues to evolve, with new innovations in early detection offering promising advancements in how we can detect and manage cancer. One such innovation is the advent of blood-based multi-cancer screening tests, such as Galleri, which aim to detect a variety of cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages through a simple blood draw.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore the benefits, utilization, and potential impact of these cutting-edge blood tests on clinical practice.

WHAT IS GALLERI?

Galleri is a blood-based test developed by GRAIL, designed to detect over 50 types of cancer, many of which are hard to detect through traditional screening methods. Unlike single-cancer tests, Galleri uses advanced genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze patterns in the DNA of cancer cells that circulate in the blood, known as ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA).

By identifying subtle markers of cancer that may not yet present symptoms, Galleri offers a new method for identifying cancers earlier, improving the chances of successful treatment.

BENEFTS OF BLOOD-BASED MULTI-CANCER SCREENING

Early Detection: Early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates. Galleri can identify cancers before symptoms appear, giving patients a better chance for effective intervention. Early-stage cancers are often more treatable and have better outcomes than those detected at later stages.

Non-Invasive and Convenient: One of the major benefits of a blood test over traditional diagnostic methods (such as imaging or biopsies) is its non-invasive nature. Patients simply need to provide a blood sample, eliminating the need for complex procedures, multiple visits, or discomfort.

Detection of Hard-to-Reach Cancers: Galleri tests for a wide array of cancers, including those with no current routine screening options, such as pancreatic, ovarian, and esophageal cancers. This capability broadens the scope of early detection significantly, enabling proactive care for cancers that would otherwise be difficult to spot.

Potential for Longitudinal Monitoring: Regular screening with Galleri offers the potential to track changes over time in the genetic profile of a patient, which could help identify cancer recurrence, relapse, or the presence of new cancers in a timely manner.

Personalized Patient Care: Since Galleri provides a multi-cancer analysis, it helps clinicians focus on specific areas of concern. The test offers more comprehensive information than single-cancer tests, enabling a tailored treatment or monitoring plan.

UTILIZING GALLERI in Clinical Practice

The integration of multi-cancer blood tests like Galleri into clinical practice is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful consideration and thoughtful implementation:

Patient Selection: Galleri is intended for asymptomatic adults, typically those aged 50 and older, who may be at increased risk for cancer due to age or family history. However, it is important to remember that over 90% of cancers are not hereditary.

Complementary to Routine Screening: Galleri does not replace standard cancer screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer. Rather, it should be used as a complementary tool to enhance early detection efforts, especially for cancers without established screening protocols.

Understanding the Results: One of the challenges with any early detection test is interpreting the results. A positive result in Galleri doesn’t necessarily confirm cancer, but it indicates that further diagnostic testing is needed to determine the presence and location of a cancer. False positives and false negatives are possible, and the results should be used as a starting point for further investigation, not a final diagnosis.

Follow-Up Testing and Diagnosis: In the case of a positive Galleri result, the next steps involve targeted imaging or biopsies to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its stage. This ensures that patients are not unnecessarily subjected to invasive procedures if the blood test was inaccurate.

Insurance and Cost Considerations: While blood-based, multi cancer screening is a groundbreaking tool, it is important to note that insurance coverage is generally not yet available. However, we expect insurance reimbursement to begin in the coming years.

CLINICAL IMPACT: Changing the Landscape of Oncology

The potential to detect multiple types of cancer from a single blood test could revolutionize oncology by reducing cancer mortality rates through earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the cancer has spread, which can significantly improve outcomes.

Additionally, for high-risk populations or those with a family history of cancer, this test can provide invaluable peace of mind or prompt early intervention, potentially saving lives.

As we continue to integrate such innovative tools into clinical practice, the future of cancer care appears brighter, with earlier diagnoses, better prognoses, and a greater emphasis on preventive and personalized care.

As research continues to advance, we anticipate that these tests will become an increasingly important part of routine health assessments, leading to fewer missed diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

To schedule an appointment with one of our certified Functional Medicine Physicians, please give us a call. We are excited to partner with you on your journey to optimize your health and wellness through personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

919.999.0831

Your Partner In Health,

Dr. Susan Denny

Carolina Total Wellness

Erica Nelson, MSPH, NBC-HWC

Here, at Carolina Total Wellness, we often recommend dietary adjustments to treat a wide variety of symptoms. Many of our patients come to us for guidance, asking ‘What is the healthiest diet?’ And the truth is, the ‘healthiest diet’ is unique to the person eating it.

One patient may get itchy and congested when they eat and need to reduce or eliminate foods that may increase or contain histamines like leftovers and peanuts. Another patient may have intestinal permeability and need to eliminate identified sensitives to gluten, oats and eggs. Yet another may be concerned about their family history of Alzheimer’s disease or cancer and need to make a variety of other adjustments.

Regardless of health status and dietary needs, most of us prefer sharing meals with our friends, family and coworkers over dining alone. Sometimes even a simple lunch can be a source of concern when a well-meaning aunt or friend asks about your ‘crazy diet.’

Over and over again, patients tell me that eating with their families is a barrier to successfully making the adjustments necessary to improve their health. Here are some strategies to enjoy eating the food that nourishes your body with the people that nourish your soul (and even some people that don’t):

Know your why. Get clear on why you are making the changes. And practice your responses ahead of time. When you know exactly what you are trying to accomplish with your food, it is easier to make good choices and much harder for someone else to convince you otherwise.

Have a short ‘elevator pitch’ prepared. Something like, ‘I wasn’t feeling my best recently and, after talking to my doctor, I am focused on eating foods that nourish my body and soul like (name a few key foods you’re enjoying eating.)’ And then mention a positive outcome like. ‘You wouldn’t believe how much better I am sleeping!’

Have at least one person fully in your corner. As part of your preparation for making these changes, make sure you talk to a trusted friend or partner that will be your support-person when the going gets tough. No matter how committed you are to health changes, there will be days when you don’t get enough rest or you have a bad day at the office. On these days, even strong-willed, prepared ‘you’ can have a tough time remembering your ‘why’ and the ‘Can’t you have just one bite?’ question may be coming from inside your own head. On these days, call this person and tell them that you are considering deviating from your plan.

Project confidence. Add a big smile to your ‘No thank you’ and you’re less likely to get pushback or hear ‘Can’t you have just one?’ Know your restaurant order before you go and say it confidently. ‘I’ll have the burger, no bun, no cheese, extra lettuce and the spinach salad on the side, please.’

“Girl (or boy,) stop apologizing.” Rachel Hollis made this phrase famous with her book by the same name. She was right, though. There is no need to apologize for doing what is right for your health and/or sanity. Try replacing ‘I’m sorry’ with ‘Thank you.’ For example, instead of ‘I’m sorry to inconvenience you,’ try ‘Thank you for accommodating for my gluten/dairy/egg/sugar sensitivity.’

Boundaries. Some people have no trouble with the sentence ‘no.’ But for many, it is easier to please the people around you and silently suffer your own consequences later. This can be exhausting and lead to difficulty knowing what you wanted in the first place. Know where your line is and don’t let anyone tempt you to cross it. Remember that everything you say ‘yes’ to is a ‘no’ to something else.

It is okay to make inappropriate people uncomfortable. If, for example, someone makes a comment about your body composition or fertility, it is not only okay to make them uncomfortable, but also brave and good. Saying ‘That’s inappropriate’ could keep them from bestowing their judgement on another undeserving person.

The health coaches at Carolina Total Wellness are here to support you in your personalized health care journey.

Your Partner In Health,

Erica Nelson, MSPH, NBC-HWC

Tag: Wellness