Putting prostate cancer to the test
Hope for improvement in diagnosis
Scientists at The University of Sunderland Pharmacy School and Sunderland City Hospitals NHS Trust team believe they may be able to create an improved test for prostate cancer.
Presently, the PSA blood test is used to detect prostate specific antigens in the blood. A larger than normal amount may be an indicator of prostate cancer. However, raised levels could denote nothing more than a harmless enlargement of the prostate gland.
The possibility of false positive results and unnecessary biopsies will hopefully be reduced by the new test, which is being developed for General Practitioners. It measures the level of a biological marker, which gives an indication of the likelihood of prostate cancer developing.
However, more research is required and scientists are now planning to expand their clinical trial to confirm its accuracy. Although we will have to wait at least 18 months before more conclusive results are known, we could soon see a hugely more accurate test that could improve diagnosis and save many lives in the future.
"We have been hoping for a more reliable cancer-specific test to be developed and if this proves successful, it will be welcomed by all."
Dr. Chris Hiley, Head of Policy and Research, The Prostate Cancer Charity
Further reading:
The PSA Test
Our Tool Kit fact sheet provides more detailed information on the PSA test.
PSA Screening: Our Policy
Chris Hiley outlines the charity's position on the controversial issue of nationwide PSA screening.
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