Getting a prostate cancer diagnosis can be confusing and stressful. Some men face aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation, which may cause side effects such as incontinence and impotence. In many cases, the cancer may not even be life-threatening, leading some patients to simply monitor their condition rather than seek immediate treatment. But worry no more! Now, a new urine test could help men and their doctors make better treatment decisions. Researchers have developed a genetics-based test that can identify aggressive prostate cancers more accurately. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Urology, this test can detect high-risk prostate cancer cases with greater precision than traditional PSA blood tests.

How the Test Works

The new test, called MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2), looks at 18 genes associated with aggressive prostate cancer. The results of the study show that the urine test correctly identified 94 per cent of aggressive prostate cancers—a higher detection rate than the widely used PSA blood test.

What makes this test even more convenient is that patients can collect their urine sample at home and send it to a lab for analysis. This eliminates the need for a hospital visit, making early detection easier and more accessible.

Current Prostate Cancer Testing Limitations

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently the most common way to screen for prostate cancer. However, it is not always reliable. Many men with high PSA levels do not actually have dangerous cancer, while some aggressive cancers may go undetected. In fact, fewer than 25 per cent of men with an elevated PSA level have a type of cancer that needs urgent treatment.

Previously, the MyProstateScore test required a rectal exam before collecting urine. The exam would press against the prostate, pushing DNA from a tumour into the urine sample, making detection easier. However, the new study confirms that the test is just as effective without a rectal exam—meaning men can collect their sample in the comfort of their own home.

A Step Forward in Prostate Cancer Detection

Following the study’s publication, Lynx Dx, the company behind the test, announced that MyProstateScore 2.0 is now available for at-home use.

"This at-home test empowers patients to collect their samples comfortably while ensuring accurate prostate cancer risk assessment," said Dr. Spencer Heaton, Chief Medical Officer at Lynx Dx.

The study analyzed urine samples from 266 men who had not undergone a rectal exam. The results suggest that using this test could help avoid up to 53 per cent of unnecessary prostate biopsies, reducing the risks and discomfort associated with invasive procedures.

Future Implications and Research

Researchers now plan to explore whether this test can also help identify low-risk prostate cancers, which do not require aggressive treatment.

"If we can use this test to accurately assess which cancers are high-risk, we can prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment, focusing only on those who truly need medical intervention," said Dr Ganesh Palapattu, co-researcher and chair of urology at the University of Michigan.

This new urine test represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer screening. By offering a non-invasive, home-based option for early detection, it has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary treatments for men worldwide.

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