Browsing by Author "Alamri, Malak Ahmad M"

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A review of the recent scholarly publications on multi-cancer early detection (MCED)
(University of Manchester, 2023-09-18) Alamri, Malak Ahmad M; England, Hazel
Background: The multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test is a groundbreaking cancer screening technology that detects malignant alterations in the body regardless of organ origin. This method allows for a single test to be used for initial screening, followed by more specific diagnostic testing for positive instances. MCED tests, such as Galleri, can detect over 50 different types of cancer and discover them at an earlier stage, when they are more curable. MCED tests, however, cannot provide a conclusive diagnosis. The liquid-biopsy technique has yielded encouraging preliminary results, allowing for the early detection and treatment of clinically silent primary tumours. Aims: The aim of this study is to perform an adapted systematic review of the recent literature on MCED and to examine its potential advantages for the community as well as the challenges that hinder its implementation. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and various search terms for the period of 2018-2023. Results: MCED tests provide various advantages, including less invasive procedure, improved outcomes and lower cancer mortality rates. They target deadly malignancies, particularly those for which there are no approved screening procedures. They have high specificity and can detect more malignancies that would otherwise go undetected, saving money on healthcare in the long term. However, there are some barriers to their widespread use, such as a lack of guidelines for confirming a positive test result, uncertainty about true false-positive and false- negative rates and test accuracy, and the need for additional procedures to reach a final diagnosis. Furthermore, there remain unsolved problems regarding when, how, and to whom an MCED test should be administered. Conclusion: MCED tests offer a promising opportunity for early cancer detection and improved patient outcomes, but they also pose significant challenges regarding their acceptability, impact, follow-up, cost, and integration with existing screening programs. Further research is needed before implementing them in the community. MCED tests could transform cancer diagnosis, but they also demand a shift in communication and public awareness, clarification of ambiguous questions, and adaptation of health systems to ensure their effective use.
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