Prostate cancer: Aberystwyth University develop new test for the most common cancer amongst men

The test is more accurate than current methods and provides results within minutes. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

A first-of-its-kind lateral flow test to detect prostate cancer within minutes is being developed by researchers in Wales.

It's hoped the test - which could be taken at a GP surgery or at home - can be rolled out into a nationwide screening programme that could help save thousands of lives and the NHS millions of pounds every year.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University found that several key changes, or biomarkers, in the urine of men with prostate cancer offer a far superior diagnostic accuracy compared to the blood-based PSA laboratory test currently used by the NHS.

The test which is in development could be taken at a GP surgery or at home. Credit: ITV Wales

Valley Diagnostics, based in Cardiff, has the exclusive rights to commercialise the biomarker research, and is working with the university to translate their findings into the lateral flow test.

Dave Taylor, CEO of Valley Diagnostics, said: "This has the potential to completely transform the way we test for prostate cancer, saving thousands of lives and easing the pressure on the NHS.

"It is cost-effective and reliable, providing immediate results that allow for effective patient triage without the need for additional lab testing.

"This could reduce patient stress and inconvenience, cut manpower and costs and eliminate unnecessary waiting times and clinical visits.”

In the UK, more than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and up to one-in-four of these are diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, requiring more extensive treatments. The cost to the NHS for extensive treatments alone is £650 million.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men in the UK, with around 12,000 deaths every year.

Prostate cancer - in numbers

  • More than 2,800 are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Wales.

  • Around 630 men die from prostate cancer every year in Wales.

  • More than 21,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer in Wales.

Professor Luis Mur, who heads the OSCAR study at Aberystwyth University, said: "The ever-increasing awareness of the risks of prostate cancer for men has highlighted the need for a national screening programme. Unfortunately, the tests currently available are not suitable for such a programme.

"The biomarkers we have found will allow us to develop a groundbreaking test that could be used in a GP surgery or even at home. We expect this will lead to a paradigm shift in prostate cancer detection which could save lives. The increased accuracy of this test could prevent men undergoing unnecessary treatments and save the NHS money."

Valley Diagnostics is currently seeking equity and grant funding to continue the development of a prototype of the lateral flow test.

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