A breakthrough in prostate cancer detection has been discovered, offering a more accurate method than current blood tests. The innovative urine test can identify protein shed by prostate tumors, which is then detected in the urine.
According to a study published in the journal Cancer Research, the new test achieved an AUC score of 0.92 when used on stored samples from prostate cancer patients. This is significantly higher than standard prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which usually has an AUC between 0.65 to 0.75.
The new method has sparked hope for routine screening, with plans to enroll 250,000 to 300,000 British men in a trial over the next eight years. Currently, more than 12,000 men die from prostate cancer per year in the UK, with over 52,000 cases diagnosed annually.
While experts welcome the innovation, they caution that it’s essential to wait for results from biopsy before making any changes. The new test can detect not only the presence of prostate cancer but also its severity.
Leading the study, Mikael Benson from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, believes that this new approach could lead to earlier diagnoses and better prognoses for men with prostate cancer. He adds that it may also reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies carried out on healthy men.
Professor Rakesh Heer, chair of urology at Imperial College, describes the £42 million project as a “game changer” for prostate cancer research. The trial’s success would be a significant milestone in revolutionizing how cases are identified and diagnosed.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14657215/Experts-new-accurate-way-detecting-prostate-cancer-easier-getting-blood-test.html