Hope for new 'three minute test' for |
Newspaper reports have recently been published about a new 'three minute test' for prostate cancer costing as little as £10. These reports are based on research from the University of Durham into a test that examines prostatic fluid in a sample taken from a biopsy. The test is yet to be clinically trialled so any potential use in screening for cancer would not be available for several years yet. |
Read the full press release from the University here: http://www.dur.ac.uk/news/newsitem/?itemno=8009 |
Comment from Professor Kirby, Chairman Prostate UK: Professor Parker's group are to be congratulated for this ground-breaking research. It is certainly of interest that the metabolism of prostate cancer cells differs from normal cells and this new test can distinguish them on this basis. The only drawback to the test is that it has to be performed on prostatic fluid obtained by biopsy, which is uncomfortable for patients and is associated with bleeding and occasional infections, which sometimes can be severe requiring hospitalisation. Perhaps the assay could be used on prostatic fluid obtained on prostate massage rather than biopsy as the PCA3 test does? Patients would find that a good deal more comfortable. |