Guardant Health Partners with PathGroup to Expand Access to Shield™ Blood Test for Early Cancer Detection Across 25 States
Guardant Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GH), a pioneer in precision oncology, has entered into a landmark strategic partnership with PathGroup, one of the nation’s largest providers of anatomic, clinical, digital, and molecular pathology services. The collaboration is set to transform access to Guardant’s FDA-approved Shield™ blood test, the first and only blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening option available in the United States.
Through this partnership, the Shield test will be integrated into more than 250 hospitals and health systems, alongside over 15,000 physicians affiliated with PathGroup, spanning across 25 states. Each year, more than five million patients undergo testing through PathGroup’s extensive network. By combining Guardant’s cutting-edge cancer detection innovation with PathGroup’s widespread physician and hospital relationships, the collaboration is poised to significantly expand access to convenient and effective cancer screening.
A Step Forward in Early Cancer Detection
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. Yet despite clear evidence that early detection saves lives, adherence to recommended screening guidelines continues to lag. Approximately one in three eligible adults—more than 50 million people—remain unscreened for colorectal cancer. Many cite barriers such as discomfort with stool-based tests, invasiveness of colonoscopy, or logistical challenges in accessing care.
Guardant’s Shield blood test seeks to address these barriers. By offering a non-invasive option requiring only a simple blood draw, Shield removes much of the inconvenience and stigma associated with traditional colorectal cancer screening methods. Clinical data has demonstrated that CRC patients detected at an early stage have a five-year survival rate of approximately 91%, underscoring the importance of accessible and patient-friendly screening methods.
“Early detection is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against colorectal cancer,” said AmirAli Talasaz, Guardant Health’s co-CEO. “Our partnership with PathGroup is a major milestone in making cancer screening both more convenient and more accessible to communities nationwide. Shield is designed to remove barriers, and through PathGroup’s expansive reach, we can ensure that millions of patients who might otherwise avoid screening have a new, more appealing option.”
The Role of PathGroup in Expanding Access
Founded over 50 years ago, PathGroup has grown into one of the nation’s leading pathology service providers, partnering with hospitals, physicians, and healthcare networks to deliver diagnostic testing to millions of patients annually. With a reputation for clinical excellence and innovation, PathGroup has continually invested in digitally enabled histopathology, molecular diagnostics, and genomics capabilities.
Through its extensive network of electronic medical record (EMR) integrations and phlebotomy services, PathGroup provides an ideal infrastructure for scaling Shield’s adoption. The company’s existing systems already support streamlined ordering, sample collection, and reporting, making it easier for providers to incorporate Shield into routine care.
Pranil K. Chandra, DO, FCAP, FASCP, Senior Vice President and Chief Genomics Officer at PathGroup, emphasized the importance of simplifying workflows for providers.
We are proud to partner with Guardant Health to expand access to Shield,” Dr. Chandra said. “This collaboration will help physicians integrate Shield seamlessly into their existing clinical practices, while ensuring patients can access early detection through something as simple as a blood draw. Together, we aim to bring lifesaving screening to patients in the communities we serve, especially in rural and underserved areas where barriers to care are greatest.
How the Integration Works
A key element of the partnership lies in embedding Shield into PathGroup’s electronic ordering platforms. For healthcare providers, this means the Shield test can be ordered in the same way as other common blood tests, without requiring separate systems or complex workflows. Such a streamlined process reduces the administrative burden and increases the likelihood that physicians will recommend and patients will complete CRC screening.
In addition, PathGroup’s network of phlebotomists and patient service centers ensures that patients across diverse geographies—including smaller community hospitals and rural clinics—will have access to Shield testing. By reducing the reliance on specialized facilities and invasive procedures, the Shield test is expected to broaden screening participation significantly.
Beyond Colorectal Cancer: Broader Oncology Applications
While the Shield test is currently FDA-approved specifically for colorectal cancer screening, Guardant and PathGroup are also extending their collaboration to include additional oncology diagnostics.
PathGroup’s state-of-the-art histopathology laboratory and team of board-certified pathologists will support Guardant’s immunohistochemistry (IHC) test suite. These tests provide critical insights into tumor biology, offering comprehensive biomarker analysis across multiple cancer types, including lung, breast, gastric, and ovarian cancers.
Guardant’s IHC portfolio, when paired with its broader liquid biopsy platform, enables oncologists to make more informed treatment decisions, ensuring patients receive therapies that are best aligned with their tumor’s molecular profile. By combining strengths, Guardant and PathGroup are not only improving early cancer detection but also supporting precision oncology throughout the continuum of care.
The Impact on Patients and Public Health
The importance of improving colorectal cancer screening adherence cannot be overstated. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 153,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected in the U.S. this year, with nearly 53,000 deaths projected. Screening not only saves lives but also reduces healthcare costs associated with advanced cancer treatment.
By addressing the reasons why millions avoid screening, the Shield test could play a transformative role in public health. Patients who are reluctant to undergo stool-based testing or colonoscopy may be more willing to complete a routine blood test during an annual check-up. For underserved populations, particularly in rural areas with limited access to gastroenterology specialists, the ability to complete a blood-based CRC screen locally can be life-changing.
Guardant and PathGroup emphasize that Shield is not intended to replace colonoscopy for diagnostic purposes but rather to serve as an FDA-approved primary screening option. Patients who test positive will still require follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation and treatment planning. However, for the millions who might otherwise remain unscreened, Shield represents a practical and accessible entry point into life-saving cancer prevention.
