New test detects prostate cancer in 15 minutes

Researchers at Ashton University in Birmingham have developed a new diagnostic test that can detect prostate cancer in less than 15 minutes with up to 90% accuracy, offering a potentially faster and more reliable screening method.

The new test uses a technique that analyzes the composition of proteins found in dried blood samples, which researchers say is simpler and more effective than the current methods for screening prostate cancer. Unlike traditional screening techniques, which often involve invasive procedures, this new method is described as non-invasive and more accurate.

Professor Igor Meglinsky, a member of the Ashton University research team, highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating that the technique "opens up new avenues for cancer diagnosis, marking a major leap towards personalized pharmacology and oncology."

The findings were detailed in a report published in the journal *Scientific Reports*. The research team analyzed dried blood samples from 108 men, including both healthy volunteers and prostate cancer patients. Their analysis revealed that in the early stages of prostate cancer, proteins in the blood change their three-dimensional shape as they bind together, providing a key indicator for the presence of cancer.

This innovative approach could lead to more widespread and accessible prostate cancer screening, offering patients a quicker and less invasive option for early detection.

[With information from CNA]