Mercy has recently participated in a clinical study aimed at evaluating the real-world clinical impact of GRAIL’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test among Medicare beneficiaries. The initiative seeks to address the growing need for earlier cancer detection in older adults, who face the highest cancer risk due to age.

The three-year  Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) study will compare health outcomes of up to 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries who receive standard care alongside an annual Galleri test with those who receive standard care without the test. The study places strong emphasis on enrolling participants who reflect the diversity of the Medicare population, including groups that have historically been underrepresented in clinical research.

Dr. Damon Broyles, Vice President of Clinical Innovation at Mercy, Medical Director for MCED, and Principal Investigator of the REACH study, said, “Mercy was the first in our communities to make MCED tests available to our patients and participated in the initial GRAIL clinical study.” 

He further added, “As part of our commitment to innovation in screening and treatment, participating in the REACH study allows us to help expand real-world evidence for the Galleri test and strengthen the data needed to potentially extend access to Medicare beneficiaries.”

Age remains the most significant risk factor for cancer, making early detection particularly critical for the Medicare population. Nearly 70 percent of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. last year occurred among individuals aged 65 and older. Additionally, more than half of all cancer diagnoses nationwide are among Medicare beneficiaries, underscoring a significant unmet need for advanced early detection tools.

Through its involvement in the REACH study, Mercy aims to contribute to the growing evidence base around multi-cancer early detection testing and support future efforts to improve cancer outcomes for older adults across the United States.