A New Era of Cancer Screening

Galleri by GRAIL Cancer Screening

Greetings! Atwal Clinic is excited to announce for our members the availability of a new revolutionary blood test for early cancer detection. The test is called Galleri (by GRAIL), and it is a potential game changer. This cutting-edge technology allows for the EARLY detection of up to fifty different types of cancer before it would otherwise be found. Tests like these could be the “Holy Grail” of the cancer screening world.

One of Dr. Atwal’s key missions is to promote wellness and be on the leading edge of preventive health care. As such, we are excited about the impact this test could have on our patients’ health.

We know that we are more likely to survive cancer if we find it at an earlier stage. However, effective screening protocols to find cancer at an early stage have only been approved for a few types of cancer, such as colon, breast, cervical and a handful of others. So, unfortunately, most types of cancer are detected only when symptoms present themselves, when survival rates are much lower. Galleri changes this paradigm.

GRAIL’s first-to-market cancer detection panel is going live at the end of the month, and Atwal Clinic is proud to be one of the nation’s first private clinics to offer it early. At this time, it is a cash-only test ($1450) so if it fits in your budget, we will recommend the Galleri test for adults aged 50 or older or for younger individuals with a higher-than-usual risk of cancer. The Galleri test is intended to be used in addition to, but not replace, other cancer screening tests that are currently recommended.

How does it work? We send GRAIL a sample of your blood and they use the Galleri test to look for the genetic changes that happen to the DNA when a normal cell turns to cancer. When a cancer cell finishes its lifespan, it releases this abnormal DNA into the bloodstream. “Cell-free DNA” is then isolated by the Galleri test for identification. Galleri detects the actual presence of cancer; not simply the risk for cancer as is included in other genomic tests we have offered. If the test identifies cancer, further scans, biopsies, and other procedures will be necessary to confirm and then stage the cancer.

Powerful new technology like this has many implications, some unforeseen. We have tried to think through the practical application of this test and anticipate potential problems. For example, the test is highly specific, having a less-than 1% false positive detection rate. So, this means that on rare occasions the test will suggest the presence of a particular cancer, but we won’t be able to find it on further testing. One can imagine the anxiety and uncertainty that this would bring. We, along with GRAIL, have protocols in place to deal with this rare situation.

Furthermore, it remains unclear how the insurance industry will receive this enhanced capability for detection. Will insurance cover the necessary imaging studies due to a positive Galleri test result? It’s so early that we don’t know that answer yet but will work with you on getting the subsequent workup as economically as possible.

To make sure that test implications and possibilities are fully understood it is imperative that you have a discussion with Dr. Atwal prior to ordering. Atwal Clinic is making the Galleri test an optional part of your annual exam. Let us know if you’d like to do the test outside of that event.

We understand that not everyone will opt for the test due to some of the issues raised above, and that is completely understandable. As of now, Galleri is not covered by Medicare or any third-party health plan. It takes approximately two weeks to get the results, and we will follow up with you as soon as the results come to us. It is recommended by GRAIL to get the Galleri test annually, which you can discuss with your provider.

We hope you share our enthusiasm for this unique and innovative screening test for cancer. It promises to offer innovative, safe, and effective technology that can transform cancer screening and cancer care. Please visit the Galleri website (www.galleri.com) to review frequently asked questions and view the brief animated video: What is the Galleri Test?

We anticipate many questions. As always, we will do our best to answer them and are available via email at info@atwalclinic.com.