Multicancer Early detection Panels (MCEDs) in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Multicancer early detection panels have recently become available to patients with a provider's prescription and an out-of-pocket fee. Beyond theoretical modeling, little is known about how these assays will impact primary care practices despite a high likelihood that primary care providers (PCPs) will be ordering these tests with some frequency. In particular, there are concerns about patient counseling, costs, frequency of testing, patient anxiety, and subsequent testing for a positive result. This review aims to appraise the current literature and provide a framework that PCPs can use to discuss these tests with patients and streamline their ordering, interpretation, and overall use into everyday practice.

Keywords: Blood-based; Early detection; MCED; Multicancer; Pan-cancer.