FDA panel endorses first-of-a-kind cancer blood test from Grail

Federal health advisers endorsed a blood test developed by Grail Inc. that could detect signs of various cancers in apparently healthy individuals. The Galleri test, which analyzes a single blood sample for cancer DNA, received a 7-2 vote from the FDA advisory panel, with one abstention. While the panel acknowledged the potential benefits of the test, they expressed concerns about its accuracy and effectiveness in detecting early-stage cancers.

The FDA has not yet made a final decision on approval, but if granted, the test could become widely available in the U.S., potentially complementing existing cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. Critics warn that the test may lead to false reassurance or missed diagnoses, emphasizing the need for further research.