A new urine test for prostate cancer has shown promising accuracy, potentially surpassing current PSA blood tests and paving the way for routine screening in men, comparable to breast cancer screening in women.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men, with over 52,000 diagnoses and 12,000 deaths annually. According to The Times, the new test detects proteins shed by prostate tumours and achieved an AUC score of 0.92, significantly better than PSA tests, which typically score 0.65 to 0.75.
This innovation, states the report, is part of the £42 million Transform study led by Professor Rakesh Heer from Imperial College, could be a major breakthrough if confirmed in upcoming clinical trials involving 250,000 to 300,000 men over eight years.
The study employed artificial intelligence to identify biomarkers using mRNA from tumour cells and cross-referenced them against urine, blood, and tissue samples. Experts hope the test will reduce unnecessary biopsies and enable early and more accurate diagnoses.
Public attention on the disease has increased following the diagnoses of Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and comedian Milton Jones, who recently paused his tour for surgery. Early detection remains critical, as prostate cancer often lacks symptoms in initial stages.
If successful, this urine test could lead to a national screening programme for prostate cancer, similar to those for breast and cervical cancers, potentially saving thousands of lives each year.
