Abbott has unveiled new clinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, highlighting the efficacy of its Cancerguard test. The commercially available multi cancer early detection (MCED) test uses a unique multi biomarker approach, combining methylation and protein signals to identify cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

Multi biomarker approach drives earlier detection

The new data from a prospectively collected case control study show that combining biomarker classes significantly expands the test’s reach. According to the findings, nearly half of the positive cancer signals (47.1%) were driven by methylation alone, while 45.5% resulted from a combination of methylation and protein biomarkers. Only 7.4% of detections were based on protein signals alone. This dual approach is particularly effective in early stage disease, where a single biomarker class often provides the only detectable signal. Importantly, the test maintained a high specificity, with none of the 2.6% false positive results showing a signal from both biomarker classes.

Clinical impact and long term outcomes

The AACR also recognized the DETECT A study, the first large prospective trial of a blood based MCED test, with the Cancer Prevention Research Award for Outstanding Journal Article. The study reported that after a median follow up of approximately four years, all patients who were treated for stage I or II cancers detected by the test remained alive and cancer free. This long term data provides critical evidence for the real world clinical impact of MCED testing.

Leadership perspective

Tom Beer, M.D., chief medical officer for multi cancer early detection at Abbott, emphasized the necessity of the multi biomarker design:

“We designed Cancerguard as the first-of-its-kind multi-biomarker test because no one signal tells the whole story. By combining biomarkers, we can detect cancer earlier, when it matters most. Long-term follow-up provides critical insight into how multi-cancer early detection can shape the future of cancer screening. With nearly 70 percent of cancers occurring in types without recommended screening, these findings highlight the potential for MCED to increase early detection and improve outcomes.”

Bridging the screening gap

Currently, approximately 70% of cancers occur in types that do not have guideline recommended screening protocols. Cancerguard is designed to fill this gap by identifying dozens of cancer types from a single blood draw. By integrating genomic and proteomic signals, Abbott aims to reduce the diagnostic burden and minimize unnecessary follow up procedures while catching aggressive cancers before symptoms appear.