A groundbreaking new test is poised to revolutionise prostate cancer detection, offering an unprecedented level of accuracy and insight. With the potential to detect more than 100 biological markers of the disease, this innovation could dramatically improve early diagnosis and risk assessment, ultimately saving thousands of lives.
The test, described as ‘truly game-changing’ by experts, is being developed by EDX Medical Group at Cambridge Science Park. It is expected to achieve an accuracy rate of 96 to 99 per cent, significantly surpassing the current PSA test, which has long been criticised for its lack of reliability. Unlike existing methods, this advanced test examines both blood and urine samples for biological indicators, including proteins and genes, which are then analysed by an AI algorithm to determine the presence and severity of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in England, with one in eight developing the disease in their lifetime and over 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK. Despite its prevalence, no routine screening is currently available due to the limitations of existing tests. This new development could change that, as it provides a much-needed breakthrough in detecting whether a tumour is slow-growing or aggressive, allowing for more precise treatment decisions.
Professor Sir Chris Evans, founder and chief scientific officer of EDX Medical, has spearheaded the development of this test, stating that it has the potential to ‘revolutionise prostate cancer management’ by facilitating earlier detection and more accurate risk assessment. The test has also received strong support from six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2023. Hoy has expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the urgent need for more accurate and widely accessible screening tools.
The UK Government is now considering the possibility of implementing routine prostate cancer screening, with Health Minister Andrew Gwynne acknowledging the rapid advancements in medical technology. Meanwhile, Prostate Cancer UK’s assistant director of research, Simon Grieveson, has praised the emergence of innovative tests but emphasised the importance of clinical trials to ensure their effectiveness. Research suggests that early and accurate diagnosis could prevent up to 40 per cent of prostate cancer-related deaths, underscoring the profound impact this test could have on public health.
Pending regulatory approval, the test is expected to be launched later this year or in early 2026. If successful, it will represent a major leap forward in cancer diagnostics, offering hope to millions of men worldwide.
EDX Medical Group Plc (AQSE:EDX) is a global specialist in digital clinical diagnostics; developing and supporting high-performance products and services to provide cost-effective prediction of disease risk, inform clinical decision-making, enable personalised healthcare and accelerate the development of new medicines for cancer, neurology, heart disease and infectious diseases.
