Author: Dorys Lopez, PhD, Christina A. Clarke, PhD, MPH, and Breeana L. Mitchell, PhD on March 17, 2025 
Early detection has been instrumental in reducing cancer mortality rates. With that, there has been a surge in the development of single-cancer detection (SCD) and multi-cancer detection (MCD) testing technology. In a rapidly evolving field, ensuring that all stakeholders are using consistent language becomes critical to overcome communication challenges.
In order to ensure multi-stakeholder engagement and resilient outcomes, this challenge was taken up by the Early Detection & Screening (ED&S) Working Group, part of the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BLOODPAC) Consortium, a collaboration between public entities, industry, academia, and regulatory agencies, that focuses on advancing best practices in liquid biopsy. The ED&S Working Group is dedicated to creating collaborative infrastructure and establishing best practices for the development, validation, and implementation of SCD and MCD tests.
The working group’s approach involved the creation of a lexicon specifically for SCD and MCD tests. From an initial list of 153 terms, they refined it to 14 key terms, incorporating feedback from the FDA and other organizations such as the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
The development of this standardized lexicon marks a significant first step toward fostering collaboration within the community and is a foundational prerequisite for the BLOODPAC ED&S working group’s future initiatives. Although progress, many terms remain to be defined as the field matures. This manuscript just starts the conversation and alignment process.
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