Early detection of multiple cancers using blood tests
Official title: Multi-Ethnic Multi-Cancer Early Detection and Screening (MED SCREEN) Study
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-11036300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new blood test that can help find different types of cancer early, especially for those that don’t have good screening options, and it’s open to adults aged 45-70 from various backgrounds in California.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $894,340 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1CA287011-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 45-70, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 45 years old or those with cancers that are already effectively screened may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests that analyze cell-free DNA from a single blood draw to identify various types of cancer, especially those lacking effective screening methods. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of these tests across diverse populations and settings. Participants will be recruited from multiple medical centers in California, focusing on a wide demographic to ensure inclusivity. The research will utilize an integrated health care system to efficiently gather and analyze data from a large number of adults aged 45-70.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection of multiple cancers, potentially saving lives through timely intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using blood tests for cancer detection, but this specific approach is relatively novel and aims to fill existing gaps in screening methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jeffrey Kuang Zou — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jeffrey Kuang Zou
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.