How do I join the Vanguard study as a participant?
Study participants are being recruited through selected clinics. If you attend one of these clinics you may hear about the study through printed materials or through your provider appointment. If you have further questions, please contact: email
What are MCD tests?
MCD tests, also referred to as MCD assays or liquid biopsy tests, measure biological substances that cancer cells may shed in blood and other body fluids that may suggest the presence of cancer.
MCD tests use a single blood test and they check for many types of cancer from different organ sites at the same time including some cancers that existing screening tests do not check for.
How are MCD and MCEDs different?
NCI uses the term “Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests,” while some researchers and businesses prefer “Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests.” Both acronyms refer to the same type of assay intended to detect cancer in people with no symptoms of cancer.
Why do MCD tests need to be studied?
MCD tests are new. They are just beginning to be evaluated to see how well they function as cancer screening tools. It is important to study these tests in clinical trials to better understand important questions including who should get these tests, what should be done after receiving a positive or negative result, and whether these tests can actually save lives.
How do MCD tests work?
Typically using a sample of blood, these tests measure biological substances released by tumor cells that indicate the possibility of cancer. No MCD tests screen for every type of cancer, and right now each test only includes some cancer types.
Does a positive MCD test mean I have cancer?
No. Like any method of cancer screening, MCD tests make a prediction about the presence of cancer. After an individual receives a positive MCD result, more tests are needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis. These tests may include imaging or invasive procedures.
Does a negative MCD test mean I don’t have cancer?
Not quite. In some cases, people with a negative test result have been diagnosed with cancer later on. No MCD tests can find every type of cancer.
Should I still get standard-of-care cancer screenings after having an MCD test?
Yes. Standard of care screening are recommended regardless of whether you have an MCD test. This includes regular screenings for the following cancers: breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung.
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