EPISEEK™ Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Blood Test

MCED (Multi-Cancer Early Detection) test identifies abnormal DNA patterns released from tumors into the bloodstream, including specific epigenetic alterations, often long before symptoms appear.

It provides an opportunity for early cancer detection, when treatment outcomes are most favorable. For example, the 5-year survival rate for Stage I colorectal cancer is approximately 91%, whereas in Stage IV it decreases to around 13%.

Key advantages of the Multi-Cancer Blood Test:

• Comprehensive screening: with a single blood draw, the test examines early signals of more than 60 cancer types, covering nearly all common and serious malignancies and providing early warning signs of potential risk.
• Early detection: it can detect tumor-associated abnormal DNA patterns at an asymptomatic, early stage, when chances of recovery are highest.
• Innovative technology: the test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) using advanced epigenetic methods, specifically DNA methylation analysis.
• High sensitivity with minimal false positives: depending on the tumor type, sensitivity ranges between 60-90%, with a specificity of approximately 99.5% (around 0.5% false-positive rate). This means the test very rarely produces false alarms, while often identifying cancer at an early stage.
• Filling a critical gap: the test also covers cancer types that currently lack routine screening programs, such as pancreatic, liver, esophageal, and ovarian cancers.

It demonstrates especially strong detection rates (approximately 75-85% sensitivity) for fast-growing cancers, including lung, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hematologic malignancies (leukemias), oral cavity, liver, and esophageal cancers, among others.

The EPISEEK test does not guarantee the detection of every cancer; however, it is capable of identifying a significant proportion of the most aggressive and previously unscreened malignancies.

It is important to emphasize that the EPISEEK test complements - but does not replace - traditional screening examinations. A definitive diagnosis is always established by the specialist or treating physician based on medical history, clinical symptoms, and additional diagnostic findings.

In the event of a positive result, our Private Hospital provides full support in determining, organizing, and promptly performing the necessary follow-up examinations. This ensures accurate identification of the tumor’s precise location and type, allowing appropriate treatment to begin as early as possible.

A negative EPISEEK result indicates, with more than 98% probability, that no detectable cancer is present in the body.

However, a negative result does not completely exclude the possibility of cancer. Certain tumor types may not exhibit the specific epigenetic alterations measured by the test, or may not release sufficient DNA for detection - particularly in the case of small or slow-growing lesions. Therefore, periodic repeat testing is recommended, and conventional targeted screenings (such as mammography, PSA testing, etc.) should continue as advised.

Undergoing the test provides an added layer of reassurance: it offers peace of mind in the case of a negative result, or enables timely intervention in the event of a positive finding - accelerating and streamlining the diagnostic process.

Who is this test particularly recommended for?

• For adults at increased risk of developing cancer:
  • individuals over the age of 50
  • those with a family history of cancer
  • patients presenting cancer-suggestive clinical symptoms (such as unexplained weight loss, anemia, etc.) when previous investigations have not identified a cause
• Asymptomatic individuals seeking a comprehensive preventive assessment, particularly since not all cancer types have established screening methods
• For preventive purposes, annual repetition of the test is recommended.

Contraindications:

• The test is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Patients must not have received a blood transfusion within one week prior to the examination.

How is the test performed?

• The procedure involves a simple blood draw; fasting is not required. A total of 2×10 ml (two tubes) of blood samples is needed.
• Turnaround time: approximately 20 working days.
• A written medical report is issued upon completion of the test, and the results are evaluated in consultation with the treating physician. The outcome represents a risk assessment. A definitive diagnosis is always established by a specialist, based on medical history, clinical symptoms, and additional diagnostic findings.

According to epidemiological data, approximately one in three individuals will develop cancer during their lifetime. The risk increases with age, and familial clustering is common, with hereditary factors accounting for approximately 5-10% of cases.

EPISEEK Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) testing can identify 2–3 times more cancers at an early stage compared to traditional screening methods alone. It is particularly valuable in the detection of difficult-to-identify, hidden, and currently non-screenable malignancies.

The EPISEEK Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Blood Test is available as part of the Superior+ Manager Screening. Further information about the Superior+ Screening is available here.