Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in Germany. In General, a doctor, examined by rectal buttons, whether a tumour, which for many patients is unpleasant. In addition, there are the so-called PSA Test that should demonstrate the prostate specific Antigen in the blood, but it is disputed and therefore, no cash will be accepted.
Remedy could create a new urine test, and now researchers at the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the journal "BioTechniques" ‘ve presented.
RNA molecules serve as biomarkers
The Test detects prostate cancer using RNA-molecules, such as "research-and-knowledge.de" explained. These occur in the cancer cells of the prostate intensifies, and served therefore as a reliable Biomarker.
Test with morning urine at home
The Test using the morning urine, in which during sleep are increasingly accumulating biomarkers. In this respect, it could be performed after the market introduction of comfort of your own home. For previous urine tests, it is necessary that the doctor stimulates previously, the prostate, and thereby an increase in the concentration of the Biomarker represents.
Test detects aggressive Tumor at an early stage
The Test can be more, according to study author Jeremy Clark, however, is that He recognizes even if the cancer is more likely to be classified aggressive or harmless. This is done over the gene expression, i.e., how the genetic Information occurs in appearance. Thus, up to five years could be detected earlier, whether patient treatment will have to undergo, it says in a statement.
Pilot study with 14 subjects and good results
In a pilot study, the morning urine of 14 subjects was investigated with a urine test, according to the usual Scanning by the doctor compared. "We found that the home-collected urine samples showed the Biomarker for prostate cancer much more clearly than after a rectal examination. And the Feedback from the participants showed that the Test at home was better,“ said Clark.
Further studies will be needed
The research team is now hoping that the introduction of the "At Home Collection Kit" the diagnosis of the disease could revolutionise and unnecessary investigations are avoided in future.