A test using dried blood spots could diagnose prostate cancer in 15 minutes, research suggests.
Hailed as a “breakthrough” by experts, it works by analysing crystal-like structures in dried blood to detect signs of the disease.
Early trials showed the test was 90 percent accurate, potentially transforming the diagnosis of the most common form of cancer in men.
The researchers analyzed 108 samples from healthy volunteers and men with prostate cancer, examining the structures of blood proteins using a technique known as novel polarization-based image reconstruction.
They focused on how these proteins change their 3D shape and bind together in the early stages of the disease, performing a detailed layer-by-layer analysis.
A new test using dried blood samples could detect prostate cancer in as little as 15 minutes, research suggests (file photo)
Early trials suggest the new test, which works by analysing crystal-like structures in dried blood for signs of the disease, is 90 per cent accurate.
The entire process takes just 15 minutes, according to findings published in the journal Scientific Reports.
The 90 percent accuracy rate for early detection is much higher than existing screening methods and has “immense potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis.”
Professor Igor Meglinski, lead author from the Institute of Photonic Technologies at Aston University in Birmingham, said: ‘This breakthrough opens up new avenues for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, representing a substantial advance in personalised medicine and oncology.
‘Prostate cancer accounts for nearly 10 percent of cancer deaths in men and is a leading cause of death in older men. However, the life expectancy of 90 percent of patients diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 prostate cancer is 15 years or more.
Men over 50 have to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test from their GP, resulting in many cases not being detected until the disease is advanced (file photo)
‘By enabling earlier and more accurate detection, our blood test has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and survival rates for many patients.’
Men over 50 should ask their GP for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which means that many cases go undetected until the disease is advanced. When cancer is suspected, patients are sent for biopsies and MRIs that can confirm the diagnosis.
The findings come after a petition with 135,000 signatures was sent to Number 10 calling for a national screening programme.
The Mail has long campaigned for improved prostate cancer treatment. Health officials have said the current PSA test is not accurate enough and charities have warned of a “postcode lottery” in healthcare.