Blood-based tests for multicancer early detection (PATHFINDER): a prospective cohort study
PATHFINDER examines what happens after a multicancer blood test returns a positive signal.
What the paper explores
This prospective cohort evaluated the feasibility of a multicancer early detection blood test in adults without signs or symptoms of cancer. A positive signal initiated diagnostic assessment. The investigators measured the time and testing needed to reach a diagnostic resolution, including the experience of people with false-positive results.
How to interpret the evidence
A convenience cohort and feasibility outcomes do not establish a mortality benefit or settle the clinical utility of population screening. The cohort’s composition also matters when considering generalizability.
Questions for MedTech teams
Diagnostic evidence planning should include the pathway after the result: referrals, confirmatory procedures, time to resolution and potential harms.
Sources & further reading
Read original paperDOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01700-2
Bibliographic record and abstract on PubMedThis is a short editorial reading note on external research. The original research is attributed to its authors and does not represent an HMC study, product validation or regulatory determination.
