Helmy Eltoukhy and AmirAli Talasaz are the creators of Shield, a blood based DNA test that can detect colorectal cancer in early stages. Now FDA approved, the test has shown higher compliance and use but less effectiveness compared to colonoscopy. Shield belongs to Guardant Health, a company that they co-founded in 2012 to create blood-based tests that can help patients get screened for all types of cancers, detect early recurrences and personalize treatment based on their own tumor DNA.
Helmy Eltoukhy co-founded Avantomein 2007 to commercialize semiconductor sequencing acquired by Illumina where he served as the senior director of Advanced Technology Research.
AmirAli Talasaz was senior director of Diagnostics Research at Illumina. Before Illumina, he founded Auriphex Biosciences focused on purification and genetic analysis of circulating tumor cells for cancer management.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
