CarePoint Health patients in Hudson County will soon have access to an innovative multi-cancer early detection test through a new collaboration.
The health care system announced its partnership with GRAIL LLC June 6. The California-based biotechnology company focuses on the early cancer detection gap, including with its Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test.
The organizations say offering the Galleri test will enable CarePoint to enhance its comprehensive cancer care. Following a positive test, the health care system will use the technology to support patients and providers throughout the diagnostic journey.
Available by prescription only, Galleri is the first-of-its-kind, clinically validated MCED test capable of detecting a shared cancer signal across more than 50 types of cancers using a simple blood draw. GRAIL says this “revolutionary blood-based approach” is intended to for use in addition to recommended single cancer screenings.
Eligible CarePoint patients must:
- Be established patients of one of CarePoint Health’s primary/specialty care practices;
- Be at an elevated risk of cancer, such as individuals aged 50 or older;
- Not be currently pregnant;
- Not be undergoing active cancer treatment or have completed cancer treatment at least five years ago.
“As we strive to provide unparalleled care to the people of Hudson County, we’re proud to introduce cutting-edge multi-cancer early detection at our hospital,” said CarePoint Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Rimmer. “CarePoint’s mission to embrace innovation is not just about treating illness, but about empowering prevention and saving lives as soon as it is possible.”
“We have an opportunity to shift the cancer screening paradigm with multi-cancer early detection tests to screen for a ‘fingerprint’ of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic, including those without recommended screening tests today,” said Dr. Jeffrey Venstrom, chief medical officer at GRAIL.
As far as modern medicine goes, this is our best shot at increasing our chances of beating cancer early.
– Justin Drew, CarePoint
The companies note that the recommended screenings cover only five cancer types. Meanwhile, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 600,000 people die from cancer each year nationally — primarily due to late-stage diagnoses. Approximately 70% of cancer deaths have no recommended early detection screening.
By the numbers:
In the U.S., more than 600,000 people die from cancer each year.
– SOURCE: American Cancer Society
“By offering the Galleri test to the patients of Hudson County, CarePoint Health is providing patients with the best chance to screen for, and ultimately diagnose many types of cancer early,” said Venstrom.
He added that GRAIL is pleased to share in their commitment to elevated patient care.
CarePoint officials echoed that sentiment.
“We are proud to partner with GRAIL to provide this innovative testing service to the Hudson County community,” said Rimmer.
“As far as modern medicine goes, this is our best shot at increasing our chances of beating cancer early,” said Justin Drew, CarePoint chief of staff and vice president of marketing and strategy. “And we are so proud to be able to provide this service to our patients.”