Prostate Cancer - Parsortix30 Mar 2017 09:45
Yes, a very encouraging RNS.
Currently testing PSA levels is used for diagnosis and monitoring prostate cancer. But elevated PSA can be caused by all sorts of things, not just cancer and it's also possible to have prostate cancer with normal PSA levels. According to Harvard, 70% to 80% of men with elevated PSA who go on to have a biopsy (very unpleasant) don't have cancer at all. Moreover, where biopsy does confirm cancer, more than half of patients will have a latent form of the disease that causes no harm and requires no treatment. On the other hand, about 20% of men with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels.
In short, using PSA levels as a diagnostic tool can be unreliable, inaccurate and not specific enough. Better methods are urgently needed. We already know that Parsortix system has the potential to detect prostate cancer, how aggressive it is and whether it is localised or not. Today's RNS shows that it may be possible to predict the development of metastasis and identify mets. even before they can be seen on imaging.
So a simple blood test has the potential to save patients from unnecessary and painful biopsies, avoid unnecessary treatment but ensure early treatment is received where needed. A good example of how better diagnostics can potentially transform treatment, improve survival times and bring about highly significant cost savings. Good stuff.
From a commercial point of view, todays RNS shows that the Parsortix system has potential use right through to late state monitoring of patients rather than just as an initial diagnostic tool.
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