Dana-Farber joins Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Consortium to chart path forward for use of new technologies to improve early cancer detection

Leading clinical researchers, academic institutions, healthcare provider organizations, patient advocacy groups, and innovative companies collaborating to establish standards and guidance for the emerging field of MCED

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is joining a group of leading public and private cancer-focused organizations today in announcing the formation of a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) consortium to evaluate new technologies that have the potential to reduce cancer mortality by enabling earlier detection of cancer before it has spread, when treatment is potentially curative.

The consortium will evaluate the clinical and public health value of MCED tests in earlier cancer detection and treatment and establish standards for their use in routine medical care. Over 35 organizations have contributed to the formation of the consortium, including initial founding members Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA); the Cancer Support Community; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.; Friends of Cancer Research; GRAIL, Inc.; Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University; Milken Institute; Sarah Cannon Research Institute; Stand Up To Cancer; and Thrive, an Exact Sciences Company.

MCED is an emerging set of technologies that, when added to existing single cancer screening, provides an opportunity to identify a broad range of cancers earlier in the course of disease. With the use of a simple blood draw, urine, saliva, or stool sample test, MCED technology enables clinicians to rapidly screen for multiple types of cancer at once, potentially catching and treating them earlier.

“Dana-Farber has identified cancer early detection as a key pillar of our strategic plan. Building on the exceptional science relevant to early detection being done here, our participation in the MCED network will keep Dana-Farber at the forefront of this emerging field,” said Timothy Rebbeck, PhD, Vincent L. Gregory, Jr. Professor of Cancer Prevention, Division of Population Sciences Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.