At the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, Abbott presented new data demonstrating significant advancements in its multi-cancer early detection (MCED) program, supporting the Cancerguard® test.
Multi-Biomarker Class Approach: Cancerguard® is currently the only commercially available MCED test utilizing a multi-biomarker class approach. It combines methylation (M) and protein (P) signals to enhance detection performance:
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Detection Efficacy: In a prospective case-control study, nearly half of positive cancer signals were driven by methylation alone (47.1%), with additional detection from protein-only (7.4%) and combined biomarker signals (45.5%).
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Early-Stage Detection: This integrated approach allows for broader detection across stages, particularly in early-stage disease where single biomarker classes often contribute uniquely to the overall signal.
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High Specificity: Notably, none of the recorded false-positive results were positive for both biomarkers, helping to reduce the burden of unnecessary follow-up procedures.
Clinical Impact and the DETECT-A Study: AACR also recognized the landmark DETECT-A study, the first large prospective interventional trial of a blood-based MCED test.
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Long-term Outcomes: After a median follow-up of approximately four years, all patients diagnosed and treated for stage I or II cancers remained alive and cancer-free.
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Significance: These findings are critical as nearly 70% of cancers currently occur in types that lack guideline-recommended screening options.
Developed as a laboratory-developed test (LDT), Cancerguard® aims to detect a wide range of cancers, including highly aggressive types, through a simple blood draw, following a streamlined diagnostic pathway to improve patient outcomes.