- Quest Diagnostics (DGX, Financial) partners with MD Anderson to create a Multi-cancer Stratification Test (MCaST).
- The blood test targets multiple cancers, using circulating protein biomarkers for risk assessment.
- Commercial launch in North America is anticipated by 2026, offering a more accessible screening option.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX), a leader in diagnostic information services, announced a collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to develop an innovative Multi-Cancer Stratification Test (MCaST). This groundbreaking blood test aims to assess elevated risks for various cancers, including colorectal, lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, prostate, esophageal, and stomach cancers.
The technology behind MCaST is based on research conducted by Dr. Samir Hanash and his team at MD Anderson. It utilizes circulating protein biomarkers, as opposed to circulating tumor DNA often used in other liquid biopsies, providing a unique and potentially more inclusive approach to cancer risk assessment. The test has undergone validation through extensive clinical research involving tens of thousands of individuals.
Quest Diagnostics plans to commercialize this test in North America by 2026. The MCaST test is set to supplement existing cancer screening methods by offering a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. This approach might bridge the gap for the 49% of U.S. adults who currently forgo routine medical appointments or cancer screenings due to the invasive and costly nature of traditional methods.
This collaboration between Quest Diagnostics and MD Anderson highlights a strategic entry into the expanding field of oncology diagnostics. By leveraging their vast laboratory network and patient reach, Quest aims to capture a significant share of the market, especially in screening for hard-to-detect cancers like pancreatic cancer.
The introduction of the MCaST blood test could significantly enhance early cancer detection and potentially, along with conventional screenings, improve patient outcomes by identifying cancer risks in more treatable stages.
