Holy Grail?

The Califorian company, Grail, has been developing the Gelleri blood test. This test detects tiny fragments of tumour DNA (these are, of course, slightly different from the patient's normal genotype), in the bloodstream. It's thought that the Gelleri test can detect more than 50 types of cancer. Such tests may speed up diagnosis and fast-track patients for treatment. Early treatment, of course, generally improves the prognosis (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jun/02/blood-test-50-types-cancer-could-speed-up-patient-diagnosis-study). Oxford University's Symplify study used the Gelleri test on almost 5,500 people. These were folk referred by their General Practioners, in England and Wales, with suspected cancer symptoms. The tests had a 2/3rds success rate, in confirming or ruling out a cancer. When the test detected a cancer, the primary location of the tumour was evident in 85% of cases. Predictably, the Gelleri test was more accurate in older patients, as well as folk with more advanced cancers. These results are extremely encouraging but more tests (as always) are needed. The Gelleri test may also eventually prove valuable in detecting 'hidden' cancers. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is currently giving this test to thousands of symptomless people. When a cumulative total of circa one million tests is attained early in 2024, the results will be given. The Gelleri test may become another regular event for folk, of a certain age, by the NHS.