Multi-cancer Early Detection (McED)
McED tests are screening blood tests for Active Cancer by looking at molecular traces of their existence. McED tests are designed for asymptomatic patients age 50+ without an active diagnosis of cancer within the last 5 years.
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Clarion Precision Medicine will cover the cost of a Diagnostic Scan (MRI or CT) by a private Canadian radiology provider in case of a positive McED test to verify tumor presence.
CanScan by GeneSeeq
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GeneSeeq is a Canadian company which uses Fragmentomics and Methylation scanning to detect evidence of cancer mutations in their Multi-cancer Early Detection test.
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CanScan uses whole genome sequencing is performed with NGS.
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Fragmentomics is a technique which detects locations of previous DNA breaks. If these breaks occur near key locations associated with cancer, then there may be a malignant gene mutation.
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Methylation is a technique which detects the methylation, or the chemical modifications on DNA leading to it being frequently read/transcribed. If this occurs in critical areas that code for cellular growth, then there may be a malignant gene mutation.
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Illustration denotes a weakened part of a DNA strand, suggestive of prior break and possible mutation.
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CanScan by GeneSeeq has a 79%, 87%, 92%, and 97% sensitivity for detecting Stage I, II, III, and IV cancers respectfully, with 97.8% specificity.
Advantages
Economical pricing
Coverage for up to 22 cancer tissues of origin, with up to 57 cancer sub-classes.
Drawbacks
Does not pinpoint the mutations.
Does not report viral genome such as HepB/EBV (but has the potential to).
Galleri (formerly Grail)
Galleri originates from the Univeristy of Hong Kong and was acquired by Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN). They are currently one of the most executed tests, at >100,000 tests done over 7years.
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Galleri performs Methylation scans, and uses this information to infer the presence of malignant cancer mutations.
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Methylation is a technique which detects the methylation, or the chemical modifications on DNA leading to it being frequently read/transcribed. If this occurs in critical areas that code for cellular growth, then there may be a malignant gene mutation.
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Galleri has an 51.5% overall sensitivity for detecting 50 covered cancers of all stages with 99.5% specificity.​ PMID: 34298717, PMID 34176681
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Illustration shows highlighted segments of a DNA strand indicating methylation and possible mutation.
Advantages
Coverage for up to 21 cancer tissues of origin, with up to 50 cancer sub-classes.
Drawbacks
Poor sensitivity for some of the cancers, as little as 10%.
Does not pinpoint the mutations.
Does not report oncogenic viruses.
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Not yet accessible in Canada.
Only available in the USA for US based residents. Blood cannot be shipped to the USA for Galleri currently.
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*** Illumina has been ordered by the EU to divest and sell Galleri to another firm for 2024.