A Cancer Detection Test Fails in Major Study

NYT Homepage

by Rebecca Robbins

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A major clinical trial of Grail’s Galleri blood test for early cancer detection has yielded disappointing results. The study, conducted in the UK, found no reduction in late-stage cancers among participants who underwent regular screenings using the test. The Galleri test identifies tiny fragments of cancer DNA in the blood to detect over 50 types of cancer. Despite generating significant hype and investment, this trial casts doubt on its effectiveness in achieving its primary goal: saving lives by catching cancers early when they are more treatable. The test has already been sold in the U.S. since 2021 at a cost of $949 per use, though it remains unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Grail has aggressively marketed the test, even featuring it in a Super Bowl advertisement earlier this year. While the company claims to have sold nearly half a million tests, including more than 185,000 last year, most purchases are made out-of-pocket due to limited insurance coverage. The company is also lobbying for Medicare coverage under a new spending package passed by Congress. The trial’s results come as a blow to the promising field of blood-based cancer screening, which has been touted as a potential game-changer in public health. Grail plans to present more detailed findings from the study at an upcoming cancer conference, but the initial outcome raises questions about the test’s efficacy and its future in the market. This development is significant for readers interested in medical innovation and public health, as it highlights the challenges of translating cutting-edge science into effective clinical tools.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026