Apollo Cancer Centre becomes first to launch Guardant Health’s Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection Test in India

As early detection remains the most powerful ally in improving survival and quality of life, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs), India’s leading and dedicated provider of comprehensive cancer care, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zydus Lifesciences to offer the Shield™ Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) laboratory developed test by precision oncology company Guardant Health in India. With this launch, ACCs becomes the first healthcare institution in India to offer access to the test.

With India’s cancer burden projected to rise to 2.08 million cases by 2040 – a 57.5% increase from 2020 – the need for timely support, early intervention, and reliable information is a crucial requirement. In 2022, more than 1.41 million Indians were diagnosed with cancer.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, while oral cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men. Despite the growing burden, cancer screening rates remain low and uneven across the country. 

The Shield MCD test is a methylation-based blood test for the detection of multiple cancer types including bladder, colorectal, breast, prostate, esophageal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian and pancreas cancer in individuals aged 45 or older who are at typical average risk for cancer. In the United States, the Shield MCD test has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration based on its strong performance in predicting the presence of cancers and cancer tissue of origin in the National Cancer Institute Vanguard Study evaluating emerging MCD technology.

Over the years, Apollo Hospitals has consistently pioneered several firsts in Indian healthcare, including advanced robotic surgery, CyberKnife radiosurgery, Proton Therapy, precision oncology, genomics, and AI-enabled healthcare solutions. The introduction of the Shield MCD test further strengthens its leadership in cancer care and innovation.