Center for Individualized Medicine

Breast Cancer: STRIVE Study

The STRIVE Study tests a new option for early detection of multiple types of cancer. The STRIVE Study is a joint effort between researchers, healthcare professionals and volunteer participants to evaluate an additional tool for the early detection of cancer. STRIVE is not an acronym, but rather reflects the spirit of this effort.

The STRIVE Study gathered blood samples from about 100,000 women at the time of their screening mammograms, of which approximately 40,000 were from Mayo Clinic patients. The study team used technology developed by the GRAIL biotechnology company to gather the samples. The team then tested the samples for small pieces of DNA and RNA released into the blood by tumors, a process known as liquid biopsy. The team tested samples from women who developed cancer over the follow-up and from a set who did not develop cancer.

This study examines the extent to which a blood test can:

Detect breast and other invasive cancers, including hematologic malignancies, in clinically meaningful subgroups.
Find breast cancers that mammograms may overlook.
Reduce the number of times women who don't have cancer need to follow up to rule out cancer.
Increase the chances that a biopsy is recommended only for those who have cancer.

The earlier that cancer is found, the greater the chance of a cure. The goal of the STRIVE Study is to make this blood test available to patients within the next five years.

The GRAIL test also will be used to detect multiple types of cancer early. This multicancer test may be an important addition to existing screening methods for cancers.

The STRIVE study is closed to new participants. Analyses are underway.