Groundbreaking Test Could Detect Prostate Cancer Within Minutes Via Urine Sample
Posted on 25 Dec 2024
In the UK, over 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, with up to one-quarter of these cases identified at a later stage, requiring more intensive treatments. The cost to the NHS for these extensive treatments alone amounts to GBP 650 million. If detected early, prostate cancer is treatable before symptoms develop. However, current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests lack sufficient accuracy to serve as an effective screening tool, creating a need for a more reliable and convenient method for detection. A pioneering new test now offers the potential to detect prostate cancer in men more quickly and accurately than existing methods.
Valley Diagnostics (Cardiff, UK) is developing a lateral flow test that could detect prostate cancer in minutes from a urine sample, making it possible to conduct the test in a GP surgery or even at home. The company aims to roll out this test as part of a nationwide prostate cancer screening program in the UK that could help save thousands of lives and save the NHS millions of pounds each year. The OSCAR clinical study, a collaborative project involving Aberystwyth University (Aberystwyth, UK), is screening thousands of urine samples from men with prostate cancer across 12 hospitals in England and Wales. The study has identified several key biomarkers in the urine of prostate cancer patients, offering significantly better diagnostic accuracy compared to the existing PSA blood test used by the NHS.
Valley Diagnostics holds exclusive commercialization rights for these biomarker discoveries and is partnering with scientists at Aberystwyth University to develop a cost-effective and accurate lateral flow test based on urine samples. This rapid, accurate point-of-care screening test could enable healthcare systems to diagnose prostate cancer more quickly and effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes. The company is currently seeking funding through equity and grants to continue developing a prototype of the lateral flow test.
“This has the potential to completely transform the way we test for prostate cancer, saving thousands of lives and easing the pressure on the NHS,” said Dave Taylor, CEO of Valley Diagnostics. “It is cost-effective and reliable, providing immediate results that allow for effective patient triage without the need for additional lab testing. This could reduce patient stress and inconvenience, cut costs, and eliminate unnecessary waiting times and clinical visits.”
“The biomarkers we have found will allow us to develop a groundbreaking test that could be used in a GP surgery or even at home,” added Professor Luis Mur, who heads the OSCAR study at Aberystwyth University. “We expect this will lead to a paradigm shift in prostate cancer detection which could save lives. The increased accuracy of this test could prevent men undergoing unnecessary treatments and save the NHS money.”
Related Links:
Valley Diagnostics
Aberystwyth University
