Vanguard Study Aims to Evaluate Effectiveness of Multi-Cancer Detection Tests

Strategic Insights -

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is conducting the Vanguard Study, a national study of a new type of blood test that screens for several types of cancer. The study aims to evaluate whether Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests can help people between the ages of 45 and 75 find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. The Vanguard Study is the first study of the Cancer Screening Research Network, a new national network of primary care sites devoted to cancer screening research funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vanguard Study is evaluating the effectiveness of Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests in detecting several types of cancer, including bladder, breast, colorectal, esophageal, stomach, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.
  • The study will recruit participants aged 45 to 75 with no cancer diagnosis in the past five years and will evaluate two MCD tests: Avantect and Shield.
  • Study participants will give two blood samples and complete regular cancer screening as recommended by clinicians, and will be randomized to one of three arms: two MCD arms and a control arm.
  • The Vanguard Study is an important step in the larger plan to evaluate how well MCD tests work for reducing cancer mortality.
  • Researchers at UNC Lineberger will lead the study, along with researchers from other institutions participating in the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN).

Statistics:

  • The Vanguard Study is recruiting participants aged 45 to 75.
  • The study will evaluate two MCD tests: Avantect and Shield.
  • Participants will give two blood samples and complete regular cancer screening as recommended by clinicians.
  • The study will randomize participants to one of three arms: two MCD arms and a control arm.
  • The Vanguard Study is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Sources:

  • UNC Lineberger (Original Press Release), "UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Recruiting Participants for Vanguard Study on New Blood Test for Cancer Detection" (Sept. 9)
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  • Fred Hutch Cancer Center (Principal Investigator: Scott Ramsey, MD, PhD)