A UniSA discovery improves diagnosis and subsequent treatment of prostate cancer
UniSA researchers have identified three new biomarkers for prostate cancer that will help recognise and differentiate cases, supporting treatment decisions.
Prostate cancer kills more than 300,000 men each year. It’s a devastating disease.
An international team of scientists led by UniSA’s Professor Doug Brooks has made the significant research breakthrough.
“This discovery has led to the commercial development of a test designed to determine how advanced and aggressive the cancer is and whether immediate treatment is needed.”
Professor Doug Brooks, Lead Researcher, UniSA
The biomarkers will assist pathologists when examining prostate cancer in patient tissue samples, assisting clinicians in determining which patients require immediate, radical treatment compared to thoUnise who need close monitoring.
“The biomarkers are remarkably sensitive and specific in accurately visualising the progress of the cancer and confirming its grade,” Prof Brooks says.
“It is anticipated this will lead to long-term improvements in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and graded.
“This discovery has led to the commercial development of a test designed to determine how advanced and aggressive the cancer is and whether immediate treatment is needed.”
The UniSA-based team has worked with the Australian company Envision Sciences on the technology to improve patient management and treatment outcomes.
Envision Sciences, which funded the development and translation of the technology at UniSA, has signed a commercialisation agreement with the largest tissue diagnostic pathology company in the US, Quest Diagnostics, to take the technology into clinical practice.
Clinical trials of the innovative technology will be undertaken in Australia, following the successful US trials and product launch.
