Multi-cancer Early Detection                     Galleri by Grail

The company Grail has developed a blood test sold under the name “Galleri” which allows screening for at least 50 different types of cancer which might be present in the body. The test has the ability to identify cancers at various stages, including early Stage 1 In some instances. (The test identifies more aggressive cancers (like pancreas, liver, and bile duct) more effectively and at an earlier stage compared to slower growing, less aggressive cancers (like prostate and kidney).  The company received approval for marketing in June 2021, and we now have access to that testing.

Galleri identifies changes in DNA which are detectable in a pattern which suggests certain cancer types, rather than a specific cancer, thus requiring additional testing to confirm cancer location and stage. Of those with positive cancer signals, Galleri identified the correct cancer location in 89%.

Galleri has a false positive rate of only 0.5%, and current performance suggests 41% sensitivity for all stage 1 to stage 3 cancers. (Of the 12 cancers responsible for 2/3 of the deaths in the US, Galleri has a 68% sensitivity for stage I to stage III malignancy.) If the blood test Galleri indicates a cancer signal and testing does not reveal a source of the positive result, Grail will repeat the test in 6 months (no charge) to see if the signal persists.

Grail has priced Galleri multi-cancer testing at $950. (We are not aware of any insurance or Medicare coverage, so this is out of pocket or HSA expenditure.)

We suggest that higher risk persons consider testing with Galleri. Persons who have been smokers, persons who have strong family history of multiple cancers and/or family history of specific cancers as well as those with defined cancer-inducing syndromes (Lynch Syndrome, BRCA mutation, etc.) should consider Galleri testing every 1 or more years in addition to maintaining screenings as outlined by the American Cancer Society.

NOTE: Galleri is NOT INDICATED for those persons who are already known to have cancer. Galleri is NOT INDICATED at this time for those persons who are in remission following cancer treatment.

Jim’s Galleri story