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Three new biomarkers for prostate cancer have been identified to help pinpoint potentially aggressive cases of the disease.
Led by University of South Australia molecular medicine expert Doug Brooks, an international team of scientists made the discovery that will help pathologists visualise prostate cancer in tissue samples.
The new biomarkers, when used together, will help clinicians determine which patients require immediate, radical treatment compared to those who need close monitoring.
“It is anticipated this will lead to long-term improvements in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and graded,” Professor Brooks said.
“The biomarkers are remarkably sensitive and specific in accurately visualising the progress of the cancer and confirming its grade.”
Biomarkers, or biological molecules, can be found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues and can be a sign of a normal or abnormal process.
The Uni SA-led discovery has already allowed the commercial development of a test to determine how advanced and aggressive the prostate cancer is.
Australian company Envision Sciences, which funded the development of the technology, has signed an agreement with a US tissue diagnostic pathology company to take it into clinical practice.
Cancer Australia said there were more than 24,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2022.
In the same year, more than 3500 men died of the disease.
Tim Dornin
(Australian Associated Press)
