What is the new prostate cancer blood test being developed by the University of Cambridge?

The University of Cambridge is developing a blood test that analyzes DNA methylation markers to more accurately diagnose prostate cancer, its aggressiveness, and treatment needs.

Why are current PSA tests not suitable for national prostate cancer screening?

Current PSA tests can miss aggressive cancers and produce false positives, causing unnecessary stress and treatments, making them unreliable for widespread screening.

When will the new prostate cancer blood test be available for UK patients?

Clinical trials for the new blood test are planned to start in UK patients within the next 18 to 24 months.

Home / Health / New Blood Test Promises Smarter Prostate Cancer Screening

New Blood Test Promises Smarter Prostate Cancer Screening

12 Jan

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Summary

A new blood test may more accurately diagnose prostate cancer.
It aims to distinguish cancer presence, aggressiveness, and treatment need.
This could lead to a national screening program for the common cancer.

New Blood Test Promises Smarter Prostate Cancer Screening

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are developing a new blood test to significantly improve prostate cancer diagnosis. The test analyzes DNA methylation markers shed by cancer cells, offering greater accuracy in determining cancer presence and aggressiveness compared to current PSA tests. This advancement holds the potential to establish a much-needed national screening program in the UK for prostate cancer, the most prevalent cancer among men and the cause of 12,000 annual deaths.