New technologies under development can detect multiple components of a growing cancer, such as circulating tumor cells, tumor DNA, and other analytes, in blood or other body fluids. These tests look for circulating tumor cells, tumor DNA, and other substances that might be present in several different types of cancer. Some of these tests under development are trying to detect cancers at early stages. These kinds of tests are collectively known as either Multi-Cancer Detection assays (MCDs) or sometimes Multi-Cancer Early Detection assays (MCEDs), or M.C.E.D.s (MCEDs). NCI uses Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) assays.
The idea of testing for multiple types of cancers simultaneously with a single MCD test is a new and exciting concept for cancer screening. However, there are many unanswered questions about using this very different kind of test, including:
- what additional testing is necessary and after a positive test to confirm the presence of a cancer;
- what types of cancers are detected by an MCD test and at what stages are these cancers;
- which people will derive a net benefit from MCD screening; and
- whether MCD tests can be successfully implemented in real-world practice.
This webpage is a gateway to DCP efforts surrounding study of MCD assays for cancer screening.
Update on National Cancer Institute (NCI) Vanguard Study on Multi-Cancer Detection
As a central component of the Cancer Moonshot, the National Cancer Institute is working to launch a new research network to study cancer screening, including evaluating the effectiveness of new blood tests for the detection of one or more cancers to prevent cancer-related deaths. If found to be useful, these type of tests provide the opportunity for less invasive tools for the early detection of cancer. NCI will begin enrolling 24,000 healthy people age 45-70 in 2024 to lay the groundwork for the later, larger study that will enroll up to 225,000 people. The vanguard study is being funded in part by 21st Century Cures Act Cancer Moonshot funds.
Pre-Application Webinars
The NCI Division of Cancer Prevention released three funding opportunities for the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN) and held four pre-application interactive webinars in December 2022. Please visit the CSRN website to view videos of the pre-application webinars and to see the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the funding opportunities.
MCD Research Teams
The National Cancer Institute is actively working with researchers across the Institute and at other federal agencies to investigate all aspects of multi-cancer detection tests. Learn more about how these teams are addressing different, but related aspects of the science:
Questions and Answers
Cancer Screening with Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) Tests
- What are Cancer Screening Tests?
- What Kind of Tests are Used to Screen for Cancer?
- Does a Positive Cancer Screening Test Mean I Have Cancer?
- What are Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) Tests?
- And more...
NCI Board of Scientific Advisors Presentation
June 15, 2022
On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Division of Cancer Prevention is presenting a request to fund an RFA entitled “Cancer Screening Network to Evaluate Multi-Cancer Detection Assays for Clinical Utility in Cancer Screening.”
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
Meeting agenda (PDF, 211 KB)
Recording of presentation available at https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=45621&start=6796
News and Events
Samples from People With and Without Cancer Could Help Verify Future Blood Tests to Detect Cancer Early
Date Posted: September 15, 2022
‘The complexities are staggering.’ U.S. plans huge trial of blood tests for multiple cancers
Date Posted: June 22, 2022
Screening for Many Cancers with One Test: Uncertainty Abounds
Date Posted: April 21, 2022