Fresh Science

An improved blood test measuring tiny molecules may detect prostate cancer more accurately, according to new research.

Prostate cancer affects over one million men every year globally, yet current tests for prostate cancer are unreliable.

At present, men go through unnecessary treatments in the absence of cancer, or there is a chance that the cancer is not detected in patients.

Ms Farhana Matin at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has measured tiny molecules, called microRNAs, in blood in a bid to make prostate cancer tests more accurate.

“Our research has shown an accuracy of 88 percent correct detection, which is exciting and a significant improvement over conventional methods,” says Ms Matin.

“If we can detect the cancer at an early stage, it will greatly increase the number of treatment options available to the sufferers.”

“We hope that this research can help improve the success rates of prostate cancer detection saving lives of millions.”