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Siteman Recruiting Participants for Multi-Cancer Detection Tests

By Siteman Communications |
Mcd Test Graphic 2

National study aims to detect disease before symptoms appear

Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine is recruiting participants for a national study of a new type of blood test aimed at detecting several types of cancer before symptoms appear. The tests could identify the presence of ovarian, pancreatic, bladder and other cancers that currently have no recommended screenings, as well as more common cancers that do.

WashU Medicine researchers at Siteman are recruiting people ages 45 to 75 who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer in the past five years to participate in the study. A blood draw is the most invasive part of participating, though additional time for follow-up is also required. There is no cost for participating in the study.

“We’re building the evidence on how these tests will perform: how they’re experienced by people, their potential benefits and more,” said Aimee James, PhD, MPH, MA, a WashU Medicine cancer prevention and control researcher at Siteman. “This could open up access to screenings for cancers we don’t already have screening options for — including stomach, esophageal and liver cancer.”

Multi-cancer detection tests are designed to detect biological substances that cancer cells release into the bloodstream, information that can even indicate where the cancer originated. The tests in this study, a national effort known as the Vanguard Study, also will screen for cancers that already have recommended screenings, including breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers.

The Vanguard Study is an important preliminary step in a larger plan to evaluate how well such tests work for reducing cancer deaths. The study will:

  • Provide information on how the tests work as cancer screening tools
  • Explore the decisions that participants and care providers make based on the results

The tests under review are expected to detect cancer in fewer than 5% of participants. If cancer is indicated, a nurse navigator will work with study participants to find appropriate follow-up care.

To enroll in the study or to learn more, call 314-362-5539 or visit https://publichealthsciences.wustl.edu/csrn.