Health experts in a new study have suggested that a new saliva at-home test may detect prostate cancer more effectively than the PSA test. Although it is not yet conclusive, it can be used as an additional screening tool.
Meanwhile, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that is usually conducted to detect prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
In a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers revealed about 130 genetic variants in men that are known to be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. These variants can help determine whether or not a person is at high risk of the disease.
It was reported by New Daily Prime that about 55,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed yearly, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting has approved the support of the national cancer screening programme.
Although the saliva test has been shown to significantly improve the early detection of aggressive prostate cancer in men, the recent study focused on men of white European ancestry aged 55 to 69.
Researchers used the test to calculate genetic risk scores for participants. Men in the top 10% of scores were invited for further examination, including MRI scans and prostate biopsies.
Of the 745 men with high scores, 468 agreed to undergo these additional tests. Among them, 187 were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 55.1% of these were aggressive forms of the disease.
In comparison, only 35.5% of aggressive cancers would have been detected using the traditional PSA test alone.
The saliva test demonstrated a higher detection rate for aggressive cancers that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
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By combining the new test with existing diagnostic tools, researchers aim to focus attention on men at high risk while reducing unnecessary testing and treatment for those at low risk.
Professor Ros Eeles, a researcher from the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said, “With this test, it could be possible to turn the tide on prostate cancer.
“We have shown that a relatively simple, inexpensive spit test to identify men of European heritage at higher risk due to their genetic makeup is an effective tool to catch prostate cancer early.
The study’s findings suggest that the test could play an important role in identifying prostate cancer earlier, particularly aggressive cases that may be missed by current screening methods.
One trial participant, 71-year-old Dheeresh Turnbull, discovered a life-threatening tumour through the test, despite being assessed as low-risk by standard methods.
His brother, Joel Turnbull, who also participated, was found to have an aggressive tumour as well.
While the results are promising, researchers acknowledge that more studies are needed to determine whether the test improves long-term survival and quality of life.
The study’s findings currently apply only to men of white European ancestry, and further research is required to evaluate its effectiveness in more diverse populations, including Black men who face a higher risk of prostate cancer.
