Representatives of Apollo Cancer Centres, Zydus Lifesciences, and Guardant Health at the event held to launch the multi-cancer detection test on Friday.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) on Friday launched a blood-based multi-cancer detection test in India after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zydus Lifesciences to offer the screening technology, which was developed by Guardant Health.The Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) test is a methylation-based blood test designed to detect signals associated with multiple cancers, including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, oesophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. It is intended for individuals aged 45 and above, who are at average risk for cancer.Apollo Hospitals said the introduction of the test came amid a growing cancer burden in the country. The test kit was launched by Harshad Reddy, director, group oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Simranjit Singh, chief executive officer, Guardant Health AMEA, Keyur Parekh, president, BU Biologics, and corporate strategy, Zydus Lifesciences Limited.Harit K. Chaturvedi, CEO and clinical head, oncology, Apollo Hospitals, said the test was a simple blood test with strong sensitivity and specificity for certain cancers. However, he said no single test could yet serve as an ideal solution for the early detection of all cancers and said the test should be used under professional medical guidance.Mr. Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA, said the blood test could help identify signals associated with cancer in a single blood draw, supporting earlier clinical evaluation.According to a press release, the test has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for eight cancer types, though the designation does not constitute FDA approval or clearance. The company said the Shield MCD test was a laboratory-developed test intended for export and was not approved for sale or use in the U.S. Published - July 03, 2026 08:36 pm IST