The NHS is launching the world’s biggest trial of a potentially life-saving blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer.
The Galleri test – which is already available in the US – can detect cancers that are not routinely screened for, and it can find where the disease is coming from in the body with a high degree of accuracy.
It looks for chemical changes in fragments of genetic code that leak from tumours into the blood – something done by some cancers long before symptoms even appear.
Around 140,000 volunteers in eight areas of England will be recruited to try the Galleri test.
The eight areas involved in the trial will be right here in Greater Manchester, as well as Cheshire and Merseyside, the North East, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, Kent and Medway, and southeast London.
ADVERTISEMENT
The NHS trial – which is being led by the Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, together with Grail that developed the Galleri test – will invite people from different backgrounds and ethnicities who are aged between 50 and 77 to take part, providing they have had a cancer diagnosis in the last three years.
Blood samples will be taken at mobile testing clinics across the eight areas over the coming weeks, in 12 months’ time, and again in two years.
ADVERTISEMENT
The first results are expected by 2023 and, if successful, the test could be in use from 2024.
Today the NHS launches the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary blood test which detects over 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
The test is said to have been especially effective at finding cancers that are more difficult to identify early, such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers – but it cannot detect all cancers.
For this reason, it would not replace NHS screening programmes such as those for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer.
ADVERTISEMENT
The NHS said the test could play a major part in the health service’s ambition to catch 75% of cancers at an early stage, which is when they are easier to treat.
Speaking as the test trial launches, Amanda Pritchard – Chief Executive at the NHS – said: “This quick and simple blood test could mark the beginning of a revolution in cancer detection and treatment here and around the world.
“By finding cancer before signs and symptoms even appear, we have the best chance of treating it and we can give people the best possible chance of survival.”
Around 140,000 volunteers in eight areas of England will be recruited to try the Galleri test / Credit: WallpaperFlare
Professor Peter Sasieni – director of the unit and one of the trial’s lead investigators – added: “The test could be a game-changer for early cancer detection and we are excited to be leading this important research.
“Cancer screening can find cancers earlier when they are more likely to be treated successfully, but not all types of screening work.”
Featured Image – Pxfuel
News
Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
News
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
The Manc -
13th September 2021 
