Multi cancer blood tests coming to GP surgeries in England trial
Trial to assess blood tests
The STRIDE-RCT trial, led by the University of Birmingham, will evaluate tests that search blood samples for proteins or fragments of DNA that may indicate cancer. The government is funding the work, which will assess whether the tests are accurate enough for broader use across the NHS.
Patients will be offered the tests at around 200 GP surgeries in England. Doctors could use the results to decide which people with vague symptoms should receive further investigations.
Cancers covered by the study
The study includes bowel, small bowel, stomach, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver, bile duct and gallbladder cancers. It also covers ovarian, endometrial, kidney, bladder and prostate cancers. Scientists will analyse samples for cancer signals. If signs are found, the tests may help identify where in the body a tumour is located.
How the trial fits wider research
A separate NHS trial of Galleri recently missed its main target: reducing diagnoses of cancers at a late stage. Researchers are continuing to assess whether that test may have other benefits.
Earlier diagnosis can give patients a better chance of successful treatment and survival. Health secretary Yvette Cooper said she hoped straightforward blood tests could help identify sooner those needing urgent investigation.
Key points
- The STRIDE-RCT study will test blood samples from NHS patients at about 200 GP surgeries in England.
- The tests look for proteins or DNA fragments that could indicate several types of cancer.
- A separate NHS Galleri trial did not meet its main goal of reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses.