Mapping potential clinical follow-up investigations for people with cancer signal detected by an MCD test

Introducing MCD tests into Australia’s healthcare system will require clear, practical next steps for people with a cancer signal detected by an MCD test. For example, which clinical investigations (such as imaging) would be needed depending on which MCD test result, who should people be referred to, and what happens if no cancer is found? This research activity focuses on identifying what these pathways could look like in real-world clinical practice in Australia, and ensuring the mapped pathways would meet the needs of both health professionals and the general public.

We will work closely with a wide range of clinicians, drawing on our extensive clinical networks, to map potential follow-up steps after an MCD test. Through consultation and expert input, we will identify what investigations, referrals, and communication processes may be needed to support safe and effective care.

This work will help establish a shared understanding of what the follow-up investigations could involve. The results will inform subsequent research activities on potential barriers and enablers for implementation, as well as dedicated assessments of public preferences for different potential approaches, and the final Roadmap for policy and practice.

This research activity is led by Dr Sibel Saya (University of Melbourne) and Prof Jon Emery (Nanyang Technological University).