#525: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing
18 May 2026

#525: Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing

The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast

About

Cut through the hype of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests and learn how to counsel patients on the real-world utility, false-positive risks, and the "stage shift" debate of these emerging blood assays. We are joined by world-renowned oncologist Dr. Margaret Tempero,UCSF Cancer Early Detection and Interception, to discuss whether these tests are truly ready for clinical prime time.

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Show Segments


    00:00 Introduction 
    01:57 Current Cancer Screening Programs 
    06:05 Emerging Blood-Based Cancer Tests 
    11:55 Test Characteristics and Limitations 
    18:05 Practical Considerations for Patients 
    25:33 Direct-to-Consumer Testing/Whole Body MRIs
    36:46 Navigating Positive Test Results 
    45:10 Anxiety and Patient Education 
    47:08 Future Directions in Cancer Screening 
    Outro


Credits


    Producer, Writer, Show Notes, Infographic, Cover Art: Molly Heublein MD
    Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP   
    Reviewer: Sai S Achi MD,MBA,FACP
    Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP
    Technical Production: PodPaste
    Guest: Margaret Tempero, MD


Disclosures

Dr. Tempero reports the following financial relationships:
Grail (research support), Global Bio Access Fund (Advisor), Bristol Myers Squibb (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.), Astra Zeneca (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc), Immunovia (Membership on Advisory Committees or Review Panels, Board Membership, etc.), Merck (advisory committee), Renovo Rx (advisory committee), Urogen (Advisor). Financial relationships have not ended.
The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures. 

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