Palo Alto, CA-headquartered Guardant Health, in partnership with Ahmedabad, India-based Zydus Lifesciences, is set to introduce Shield, a blood-based cancer detection test in India, to support early diagnosis across multiple cancer types. The launch comes amid rising cancer incidence in India, as well as a growing emphasis on non-invasive diagnostics and early screening technologies.
Guardant’s test is designed to detect cancers such as gastric, colorectal liver, breast, and prostate using a simple blood sample, eliminating the need for invasive tissue biopsies. By identifying circulating tumor DNA, the test enables earlier intervention and claims improved clinical outcomes.
The companies are currently in discussions with hospital chains, diagnostic laboratories, and wellness centers to facilitate the rollout of Shield across India.
According to Simranjit Singh, CEO (Asia, Middle East and Africa) at Guardant Health, a majority of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment effectiveness. He noted that early detection through blood-based testing could significantly improve survival rates and reduce mortality.
While pricing in India will depend on partnership models, the test is priced at $1,495 in the United States for Shield CRC.
Precision oncology is redefining cancer care by driving a more personalized and data-driven approach that improves on traditional standards of care. From using biomarkers to inform treatment in advanced cancer, to using circulating tumor DNA to not only assess response to treatment, but detect signs of remaining cancer and even identify the earliest signs of cancer, precision oncology is helping patients across all stages of the disease.
