Report on a Novel Multi-Cancer Early Detection Blood Test and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

A recent study on a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test, known as the Galleri test, indicates a significant potential to accelerate cancer diagnosis and improve public health outcomes. This report summarises the findings of a North American trial and evaluates the technology’s contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2.0 Key Findings from the North American Trial

The trial, involving 25,000 adults in the United States and Canada, yielded several critical results regarding the test’s efficacy and potential application in public health screening.

• Detection Capability: The test successfully identified over 50 different types of cancer by detecting circulating tumour DNA fragments in the blood.
• Early Stage Detection: More than half of the cancers detected were identified at an early stage, when treatment is typically more effective and the prognosis is more favourable.
• Screening Gap Coverage: A crucial finding was that three-quarters of the cancers detected are types for which no routine screening programmes currently exist, such as ovarian, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
• Diagnostic Accuracy:
  1. For individuals who received a positive result, cancer was subsequently confirmed in 62% of cases.
  2. The test correctly identified the tissue of origin for the cancer in 90% of confirmed cases, aiding subsequent diagnostic procedures.
  3. The test demonstrated a high negative predictive value, correctly ruling out cancer in over 99% of participants who tested negative.

3.0 Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The development and potential deployment of the Galleri test align directly with several key SDGs, representing a significant advancement in global health technology.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The primary contribution is towards Target 3.4, which aims to reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through prevention and treatment. By enabling earlier detection of numerous cancers, the test can fundamentally improve treatment efficacy and survival rates, directly addressing this target.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This technology is a prime example of scientific innovation (Target 9.5) in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Its development showcases the importance of investing in research and development to create solutions for pressing global health challenges.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The ongoing trials, such as the large-scale study by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), exemplify the multi-stakeholder partnerships between private industry (Grail), academia, and public health institutions necessary to validate and implement such innovations for the public good.

4.0 Future Outlook and Expert Commentary

While initial results are promising, the scientific community emphasizes the need for further validation before widespread adoption. Key considerations for the future include:

1. Mortality Reduction Data: Experts stress that randomised controlled trials with mortality as a primary endpoint are essential to confirm that earlier detection translates into a reduction in cancer-related deaths.
2. Ongoing Research: The results of a major three-year trial involving 140,000 NHS patients in England are highly anticipated and will be critical in determining the test’s future role in public health systems.
3. Risk of Overdiagnosis: Health authorities, including the UK National Screening Committee, will need to carefully evaluate the evidence to ensure the benefits of screening outweigh potential harms, such as the overdiagnosis of cancers that may not have become life-threatening.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses issues related to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The core subject of the article is a new blood test for the early detection of cancer. This directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, as early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improving survival rates, which is a central aim of SDG 3.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article discusses the development of the “Galleri test” by the American pharmaceutical firm Grail. This represents a significant scientific and technological innovation in the healthcare industry. The large-scale clinical trials in North America and by the NHS in England highlight the research and development infrastructure necessary to bring such advancements to the public.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s focus, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
     • Explanation: Cancer is a leading non-communicable disease. The article emphasizes that the Galleri test can detect “more than half the cancers… at an early stage, where they are easier to treat and potentially curable.” Sir Harpal Kumar is quoted saying the aim is to “shift to earlier detection, when we have the chance to use treatments that are much more effective and potentially curative.” This directly contributes to the goal of reducing premature mortality from cancer.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
     • Explanation: The development of a blood test that can detect over 50 types of cancer is a clear example of enhanced scientific research and technological advancement. The article describes a major research effort involving a private company (Grail), universities (Oregon Health & Science University), and public health systems (NHS). The ongoing trials with “25,000 adults from the US and Canada” and the upcoming “three-year trial involving 140,000 NHS patients” represent a substantial investment in research and development (R&D) to validate this innovation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article implies or directly mentions indicators that can measure progress towards the identified targets:

   • Indicator for Target 3.4 (Implied): The official indicator is 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
     • Explanation: The article directly references this measure of success. Professor Clare Turnbull states that “Data from randomised studies, with mortality as an endpoint, will be absolutely essential to establish whether seemingly earlier-stage detection by Galleri translates into benefits in mortality.” This shows that the ultimate measure of the test’s contribution to SDG 3.4 will be its impact on reducing the cancer mortality rate.
   • Indicator for Target 9.5 (Implied): The official indicator is 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
     • Explanation: While the article does not provide specific financial figures, it describes a massive R&D effort. The development of the test by a pharmaceutical firm, coupled with large-scale international trials involving tens of thousands of participants (with plans for over a million), implies a significant private and public investment in R&D. The successful development and trial of the Galleri test itself serves as a qualitative indicator of progress in scientific research and innovation within the healthcare sector.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (like cancer) through prevention and treatment.	Indicator 3.4.1 (Implied): Mortality rate attributed to cancer. The article explicitly mentions the need for studies with “mortality as an endpoint” to prove the test’s effectiveness.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities to encourage innovation.	Indicator 9.5.1 (Implied): Research and development expenditure. The large-scale international trials (e.g., the 140,000-patient NHS trial) and the development of the Galleri test by a pharmaceutical firm imply significant investment in R&D.

Source: bbc.com