Apollo launches blood test for cancer detection
HYDERABAD: Apollo Cancer Centres and Zydus Life Sciences have entered into an agreement to introduce a blood-based test for early cancer detection in India.
The test, developed by US-based oncology company Guardant Health, is called the Shield Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test. It identifies cancer signals using a single blood sample, based on methylation patterns in the human body.
Single blood sample enables early multi-cancer screening
The test can detect multiple cancers including breast, lung, liver, colorectal, prostate, stomach, oesophageal, ovarian, pancreatic and bladder cancers. It is aimed at individuals aged 45 and above who are at average risk.
Test targets people aged 45 and above
Preetha Reddy, executive vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, said early detection and preventive care are key to healthcare. “In India, where cancer screening rates are low, this test can increase awareness and help prevent life-threatening diseases,” she said.
Apollo, Zydus partner to introduce new technology
Harit K. Chaturvedi, oncology clinical lead and chief executive officer at Apollo Hospitals, said the test shows high accuracy in detecting certain cancers and is useful under medical supervision.
Sharvil Patel, managing director of Zydus Life Sciences, said the partnership brings innovative screening technology to patients. Simranjit Singh, chief executive officer for Asia, Middle East and Africa at Guardant Health, said the test will play a key role in detecting cancer signals through a single blood sample in India.
