Researchers from the University of South Australia have made a breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer by identifying three new biomarkers. These biomarkers will help doctors determine the different stages of prostate cancer more accurately and urgently. Professor Doug Brooks of Molecular Medicine at UniSA led an international team of scientists in this research. The discovery is expected to lead to long-term improvements in the diagnosis and grading of prostate cancer.
The partnership between UniSA and Envision Sciences, which funded the technology’s development and translation at UniSA, has been hailed as “life-saving” by UniSA Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise, Prof. Marnie Hughes-Warrington. She also expressed her excitement about the potential impact this technology will have in the coming years. The new biomarkers will allow pathologists to visually examine prostate cancer tissue samples, aiding clinical doctors in determining the appropriate treatment approach for each patient.
In addition to their sensitivity and accuracy, these biomarkers have also led to commercial development. A test has been developed based on the biomarkers to determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and the need for immediate treatment. Envision Sciences, the Australian company behind the commercial development, has signed a commercialization agreement with Quest Diagnostics, the largest tissue diagnostic pathology company in the US, to bring the technology into clinical practice and improve patient management and treatment outcomes. Clinical trials using this technology are expected to be conducted in Australia after successful outcomes in the US.
The International Research Team behind this breakthrough includes members from UniSA, Trinity College Dublin, University of Adelaide, Flinders Medical Centre, Aquesta Pathology QLD, and Otago University NZ. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, causing over 300,000 deaths annually and affecting over one million men worldwide each year. Given these statistics, the discovery of these new biomarkers is of great importance.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. According to Cancer Council Australia, more than 24,200 males were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, with an average age at diagnosis of 69 years. It is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they reach 85 years old. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include frequent urination, pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, weak urine stream, back or pelvic pain, and weakness in the legs or feet. For assistance with treatment and diagnosis, individuals can contact Cancer Council Australia at 13 11 20.