Quest to Distribute Guardant's Innovative Cancer Blood Test, Expanding Access and Detection Capabilities

In a significant move for cancer screening accessibility, Guardant Health and Quest Diagnostics have announced a collaboration to offer Guardant's Shield blood-based colorectal cancer test through Quest's extensive distribution network. This partnership, set to commence in the first quarter of 2026, will allow physicians to order the test through their Quest accounts and electronic health records, potentially increasing early detection rates for colorectal cancer.

Shield Test: A Game-Changer in Cancer Screening

Guardant's Shield test represents a breakthrough in cancer detection, being the first blood test to receive FDA approval as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer in adults aged 45 or older at average risk. The test's non-invasive nature could help overcome barriers to widespread population screening, as noted by Quest CEO Jim Davis.

The collaboration leverages Quest's network of approximately 650,000 clinicians and hospital accounts. As part of the agreement, Quest's sales team will educate primary care physicians, obstetricians, and gynecologists about the test's benefits and usage.

Expanding Beyond Colorectal Cancer

During an investor day presentation, Guardant Co-CEO AmirAli Talasaz unveiled plans to expand the Shield test's capabilities to include multi-cancer detection (MCD). This expanded offering is scheduled for national availability in October, marking a significant advancement in the test's utility.

Talasaz explained that Shield was initially developed as an MCD platform, with colorectal cancer chosen as the first indication due to the pressing need for improved screening rates. The multi-cancer screening results will be available to physicians who opt in and patients who authorize the release of their medical records to Guardant.

Clinical and Financial Implications

The Shield test has garnered attention beyond commercial applications. It has received FDA breakthrough device designation as a stand-alone MCD test and has been selected by the National Cancer Institute for use in its Vanguard study. This study aims to evaluate whether the benefits of MCD screening outweigh potential harm and if such tests can help prevent cancer-related deaths.

Financially, Guardant projects that Shield will generate more than $500 million in revenue by 2028, underlining the test's potential impact on both patient care and the company's bottom line.

As the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries continue to evolve, collaborations like the one between Guardant Health and Quest Diagnostics showcase the potential for innovative technologies to improve cancer detection and patient outcomes on a large scale.