Description

Galleri Test: Early Cancer Detection Using cfDNA Methylation Patterns

The Galleri test is a screening test designed to identify a broad range of cancers by analyzing methylation patterns in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the bloodstream. This method detects the unique "fingerprint" of cancer, shedding light on potential cancerous activity in the body, even before symptoms appear. While the test can detect the presence of cancer, diagnostic testing is required to confirm the presence and type of cancer.

How It Works:

• Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA): Cancer cells release cfDNA into the bloodstream, which carries methylation patterns. The Galleri test analyzes these patterns, helping to detect abnormal signals that suggest the presence of cancer.
• Methylation: This is a chemical modification to DNA that can change how genes are expressed. In cancer cells, abnormal methylation patterns often occur, and these patterns are detected in the Galleri test.
• Cancer Signal Detection: If the test detects a cancer signal, it predicts the most likely origin of the cancer. This helps guide follow-up diagnostic tests and could be instrumental in identifying cancers at an early stage.

What the Galleri Test Can Do:

1. Early Detection: The Galleri test detects the presence of cancer-related DNA in the bloodstream, even in early stages, often before clinical symptoms manifest.
2. Cancer Signal Detection: If a cancer signal is detected, the Galleri test predicts the most likely cancer origin. However, it does not provide a definitive diagnosis and requires further testing to confirm the presence and type of cancer.
3. Wide Range of Cancers: The Galleri test has been studied for its ability to detect over 50 types of cancers, including many that are difficult to detect early, such as ovarian, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.
4. Non-Invasive: This is a blood test, meaning it is a non-invasive way to gather insights into possible cancer presence.

Cancers Detected by the Galleri Test:

In clinical studies, the Galleri test has been shown to detect cancer signals in a variety of cancer types, including but not limited to:

• Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colon and Rectum Cancer
• Esophagus Cancer
• Gastric Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Melanoma of the Skin
• Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneum Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Small Intestine Cancer
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Stomach Cancer
• Uterus Cancer (Carcinoma and Sarcoma)

The test aims to provide early detection of these cancers, making it valuable for guiding further diagnostic testing.

What the Galleri Test Does Not Do:

• Diagnose Cancer: The Galleri test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It helps indicate the presence of a cancer signal, but further diagnostic procedures are required to confirm the type and location of cancer.
• Predict Future Risk: This test does not predict a person’s genetic risk of developing cancer in the future. It only detects the presence of cancer-related DNA that is currently circulating in the blood.
• Be Used for All Cancer Types: While the test covers a broad range of cancers, it may not detect all cancers, particularly those that do not release detectable cfDNA into the bloodstream.

When to Consider the Galleri Test:

• As a Screening Tool: If you're looking for an early detection method for a wide range of cancers, especially if you’re at a higher risk or have concerns about cancer in your family history.
• For Those Without Symptoms: The Galleri test is useful for people who have no symptoms but want to monitor their health for signs of potential cancer.

Test Details:

• Fasting: Not required.
• Function: The Galleri test analyzes cfDNA for methylation patterns to detect cancer signals in the bloodstream. If a signal is found, it predicts where the cancer might be located in the body.
• Follow-Up: If the test detects a cancer signal, it will provide information on the likely origin of the cancer. Further diagnostic testing (such as imaging or biopsy) is required to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the specific diagnosis.

Summary:

The Galleri Test is an advanced blood test that analyzes cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for cancer-related methylation patterns, helping to detect the presence of cancer early. While the test can identify a cancer signal and suggest where the cancer may originate, it is not a diagnostic tool and requires follow-up testing to confirm the presence of cancer. It is a powerful tool for early cancer detection and can screen for over 50 types of cancer, including some that are typically difficult to detect.

The Galleri test is capable of detecting over 50 types of cancers. Here is a list of the cancers it can screen for:

1. Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
2. Ampulla of Vater Cancer
3. Anus Cancer
4. Appendix Cancer
5. Bile Ducts, Distal Cancer
6. Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic Cancer
7. Bile Ducts, Perihilar Cancer
8. Bladder, Urinary Cancer
9. Bone Cancer
10. Breast Cancer
11. Cervical Cancer
12. Colon and Rectum Cancer
13. Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction Cancer
14. Gallbladder Cancer
15. Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
16. Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasms
17. Kidney Cancer
18. Larynx Cancer
19. Leukemia
20. Liver Cancer
21. Lung Cancer
22. Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
23. Melanoma of the Skin
24. Merkel Cell Carcinoma
25. Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural
26. Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses Cancer
27. Nasopharynx Cancer
28. Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Appendix
29. Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Colon and Rectum
30. Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
31. Oral Cavity Cancer
32. Oropharynx Cancer (HPV-Mediated, p16+)
33. Oropharynx Cancer (p16-) and Hypopharynx
34. Ovary, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneum Cancer
35. Pancreas, Exocrine Cancer
36. Penis Cancer
37. Plasma Cell Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders
38. Prostate Cancer
39. Small Intestine Cancer
40. Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Abdomen and Thoracic Visceral Organs
41. Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Head and Neck
42. Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Retroperitoneum
43. Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremities
44. Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unusual Histologies and Sites
45. Stomach Cancer
46. Testis Cancer
47. Ureter, Renal Pelvis Cancer
48. Uterus Cancer (Carcinoma and Carcinosarcoma)
49. Uterus Cancer (Sarcoma)
50. Vagina Cancer
51. Vulva Cancer