UK National Screening Committee position statement on evidence required for multicancer detection tests

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The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) evaluates multicancer detection (MCD) tests, which identify multiple cancers from a single sample, to guide government recommendations on cancer screening programs. The NHS Galleri trial in England, involving 142,000 participants, is currently assessing a blood-based MCD test in a screening context.

Multicancer detection (MCD) tests, which can identify multiple cancers from a single sample (eg, blood, urine, stool, or imaging), are a potential new approach to cancer screening.12 Several MCD tests are being developed, each at different stages of development and evaluation.345 Notably, in England, the NHS Galleri trial, a randomised controlled trial with 142 000 participants, is evaluating a blood based MCD test in a screening context.6In the UK, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) makes recommendations to the government regarding whether a new screening programme should be introduced. A topic can enter their horizon scanning process through multiple routes—for example, routine reviews of existing recommendations, the open call for screening proposals,7 or referrals from external bodies.8 The UK NSC then applies a structured evidence review process, progressing from evidence mapping to more detailed evidence summaries.When making recommendations, the UK NSC applies a multicriteria deliberative approach, considering factors such...