Abbott’s $21 billion purchase of Exact Sciences in March expanded its reach into cancer diagnostics, where blood-based screening tests help detect disease earlier and tailor treatments. The acquisition brought more than $3 billion in yearly revenue, lifting Abbott’s diagnostics segment to over $12 billion.
Jorge Garces, who leads cancer diagnostics research at Abbott and previously served as Exact Sciences’ chief science officer, explained that the company treats cancer as a condition requiring ongoing oversight rather than a single test.
From diagnosis to post-treatment monitoring
Garces outlined a strategy that covers every stage, from initial diagnosis through treatment choices and follow-up care. The combined portfolio now includes Exact Sciences’ Cologuard, a stool-based colorectal cancer test, and Oncotype DX, which helps guide therapy for breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
In 2025, Exact introduced two blood-based tests: Oncodetect, which monitors tumor DNA after treatment, and Cancerguard, a multi-cancer early detection blood test. Garces mentioned his wife used Oncotype DX after her breast cancer diagnosis last year.
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The test estimates whether recurrence risk is high or low. Her results showed low risk, offering significant relief. Over two million patients have taken the test.
Balancing accuracy and accessibility
Cologuard has improved colorectal cancer screening rates, though Abbott continues to enhance its reliability. The updated Cologuard Plus achieves 95% cancer detection and 94% specificity, reducing false positives.
Blood-based tests present different obstacles. Abbott is collaborating with Freenome on a colorectal cancer blood test. Garces pointed out that advanced sequencing drives up costs, prompting Abbott’s internal team to develop a more affordable version.
Garces stressed that both stool and blood tests will remain available, focusing on the 50 million Americans who skip screening. If patients reject Cologuard, a blood option will be offered.
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Cancerguard, Abbott’s multi-cancer early detection blood test, was launched in 2025. A large U.S. study is planned to support FDA submission. Currently, Cancerguard is accessible to average-risk patients, with follow-up imaging like CT and PET scans used to pinpoint tumors after a positive result.
Garces recognized the challenge of balancing innovation with affordability. While blood tests provide convenience, their cost limits access. Abbott’s internal efforts aim to lower expenses, potentially making tests available to more people worldwide. Improving these tools remains a priority.
The immediate goal is filling screening gaps. With Cancerguard and the upcoming Freenome collaboration, Abbott is working toward a future where early detection becomes standard.