New test could improve prostate cancer diagnosis

A new diagnostic test could help improve the healthcare plan of those with prostate cancer.

Researchers from Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) have identified a set of biological markers that can give an accurate indication of whether or not the disease is present in a patient.

Current diagnostic techniques for diagnosing prostate cancer are less than 50 per cent accurate - often leading to men having to undergo unnecessary biopsy checks and in some cases radiotherapy.

However, OGT's preliminary data shows that the new test is 90 per cent accurate.

Furthermore, it could lead to a speedier diagnosis, giving treatment a greater chance of being affective.

A larger clinical study will now begin to verify the results and determine if the test can differentiate between other types of cancers and prostate diseases.

"Based on these exciting results and the larger study we are assessing partnership opportunities with diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies for the development of a diagnostic test," commented OGT's Dr John Anson.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among British men, killing 10,000 a year.

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