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Cancer Prevention Research
At Gustave Roussy, the Interception program is dedicated to personalized cancer prevention. Clinical research is one of its essential pillars: it advances our understanding of prevention and ensures that the recommended care pathways are based on solid scientific evidence. The clinical trials conducted as part of Interception aim, in particular, to identify new biomarkers and molecular signatures capable of revealing early signs—even before the onset of the disease—in individuals at increased risk of developing cancer.
Cancer Prevention Research
Research and clinical trials are key to accessing innovation in oncology and are essential for developing new therapies and techniques to fight cancer more effectively.
In the field of cancer prevention, several research areas are being explored to offer patients more effective approaches and care pathways:
- Identifying new biomarkers for risk assessment and early cancer detection
- The development of new screening and prevention tools
- The development of studies on cancer pharmacoprevention
- Increasing participation in and adherence to cancer screening programs
- Nutritional interventions
- Studying the role of immunity and the microbiome
- Increased adherence to primary cancer prevention measures
- Analysis of sociopsychological aspects
What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a measurable characteristic of the body that provides information about a person’s health status. It can be a molecule present in the blood, a genetic trait, a protein, or a signal detectable through medical imaging.
In the field of cancer prevention, biomarkers are of particular interest because they could help identify individuals at the highest risk or detect the earliest biological signs of cancer very early on, even before symptoms appear. The goal is then to tailor screening protocols or offer personalized preventive interventions to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
In summary: a biomarker is a measurable biological indicator that can help better assess cancer risk or detect the disease in its very earliest stages.
Interception, Gustave Roussy’s personalized prevention program
It is estimated that nearly 40% of cancer cases worldwide are linked to identifiable, modifiable risk factors. To address this issue, Gustave Roussy launched the Interception program in 2021, which offers various personalized cancer prevention pathways. The goal? To intervene early with individuals at increased risk (due to genetic predisposition, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, etc.) through tailored support and monitoring, in order to reduce the risk of developing the disease and, if it does develop, to detect it as early as possible.
With a rise in cancer incidence projected for the coming decades, strengthening the role and effectiveness of prevention is becoming a major public health challenge. Clinical research plays a fundamental role in meeting these objectives and fits perfectly within the Interception program (health pathway), which has several goals, including the identification of new biomarkers for risk prediction and early detection of cancers.
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40%
Worldwide, 40% of cancer cases are linked to identifiable, modifiable risk factors
Source: Fink H. et al., “Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors to inform prevention,” *Nature Medicine*, vol. 32, pp. 1306–1315, 2026
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618
Clinical trials were conducted in 2025 at Gustave Roussy
Clinical studies focused on personalized screening
Several clinical trials under the Interception program may be offered to patients being treated at Gustave Roussy. Some are cross-cutting and may involve multiple care pathways, such as the LEAH study, which aims to identify new markers for the early detection of cancer in biological fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and stool. Other studies are specific to certain care pathways, such as the IMPULSION study, which focuses on individuals at increased risk of lung cancer due to significant exposure to tobacco smoke. The European Predi-Lynch program, in which Gustave Roussy is a partner, is exploring the usefulness of blood biomarkers in detecting cancers in individuals with a predisposition to cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Conducted among more than 53,000 women in several European countries, the MyPeBS study evaluates a new personalized breast cancer screening strategy. The goal is to tailor the frequency and methods of screening to each participant’s individual risk level, in order to improve early cancer detection while minimizing unnecessary tests.
This European study evaluates new strategies for lung cancer screening among high-risk individuals. In particular, it aims to tailor the intervals between chest CT scans to improve the effectiveness of screening while reducing unnecessary tests.
Launched in France in 2026, the IMPULSION pilot program evaluates the conditions for implementing a nationwide organized lung cancer screening program. Aimed at at-risk smokers and former smokers, the program relies on low-dose chest CT scans and includes support for smoking cessation. A total of 20,000 participants are expected to be enrolled in this program, which is coordinated by INCa.
The LEAH study is designed for people at high risk of developing cancer. It evaluates the ability of biomarkers detected in bodily fluids to detect the presence of cancer at a very early stage. The performance of these new blood tests is compared to currently used monitoring methods in order to identify the most promising approaches for future screening.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Pamela Abdayem
medical oncologist, head of research for the Interception program.
“Research is a fundamental pillar of oncology, but also of cancer prevention. In all Interception programs, we conduct clinical studies, such as the LEAH study, which is currently underway. LEAH aims to improve and optimize the early detection of cancer through blood, saliva, and urine tests. These tests could be more accurate, more sensitive, faster, less invasive, and less expensive than the screening tests currently in use.”
Learn About Prevention Through Clinical Research in These Videos
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