SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The promise of early detection to reduce the burden of cancer is an easily understood and highly desired
intervention point in the cancer continuum. Recent developments of multicancer detection (MCD) technologies
have fueled already strong interest in their use, well in advance of compelling data describing the impact of
MCD-based screening on cancer mortality. In addition to limited data available on sensitivity and lead time to
assess these MCD tests, the complexities of implementing them in a real-world clinical environment require
careful evaluation to assess the frequency of achieving resolution of a positive MCD test (i.e., a specific cancer
diagnosis), the nature, timeline and cost of those procedures, and the potential to increase cancer worry and
health inequities. To help to address these critical caps in data, the Cancer Screening Research Network
(CSRN) will be a cooperative group structure with the expertise, infrastructure and access to appropriate
patient populations needed to provide high quality evidence on the value of MCD tests in real-world settings.
The goal for the Vanguard phase is to design and conduct a randomized controlled feasibility trial of two
promising MCD tests. The CSRN Communication and Coordinating Center (CCC) in conjunction with the
CSRN Statistics and Data Management Center (SDMC) and the NCI will lead and support this critical national
effort. Our specific objectives are to: (1) Provide exceptional scientific and clinical expertise in the design and
implementation of multicenter cancer screening trials, and particularly randomized trials evaluating MCD
assays. (2) Develop the organizational structure and administrative relationships to assure CSRN success.
(3) Develop and maintain effective communication channels and materials to promote CSRN success (4)
Support CSRN ACCESS sites in their recruitment and retention efforts. By these efforts, the CSRN will assess
the feasibility of and establish the core infrastructure needed to conduct future full-scale trials of MCD tests and
other cancer screening studies. Through the efforts of the Vanguard phase, the CSRN will create the
infrastructure, data and learnings needed to support full-scale trials and additional observational studies of the
most promising MCD tests and other cancer screening approaches.