Health
New Saliva Test Shows Promise in Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
A groundbreaking saliva test developed as part of the BARCODE 1 study is showing promising results in the early detection of prostate cancer among men, potentially revolutionizing screening methods for the disease.
Unlike the traditional PSA blood test, this innovative spit test categorizes individuals based on genetic variations found in their saliva samples, providing a more accurate assessment of prostate cancer risk.
Presented by Professor Ros Eeles from the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust at the annual ASCO meeting in Chicago, the BARCODE 1 study has highlighted the potential of this new screening tool.
The research, funded by various organizations including the European Research Council, Cancer Research UK, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, involved over 6,000 European men aged 55-69 who were recruited through their GP surgeries.
Participants had their polygenic risk scores (PRS) calculated based on 130 genetic variations associated with prostate cancer, allowing the identification of individuals at higher risk for the disease.
Men with the highest risk scores, identified through the saliva test, underwent further screening which included MRI scans and biopsies, leading to the detection of a significantly higher proportion of aggressive cancers compared to the PSA test.
Professor Naser Turabi, emphasizing the importance of early detection, noted that the saliva test could potentially save lives by targeting those at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
The results of the BARCODE 1 study have sparked optimism in the field of prostate cancer screening, with the potential to refine current diagnostic techniques and enhance outcomes for patients.
Looking ahead, further research is planned to validate the effectiveness of the saliva test across different populations and to compare it with other screening methods, with the ultimate goal of improving early detection and treatment strategies.
Professor Kristian Helin, CEO of the Institute of Cancer Research, stressed the urgent need for enhanced screening tools given the projected rise in prostate cancer cases, highlighting the limitations of the current PSA test.
