Roche launches lung cancer test Elecsys ProGRP

Roche has announced the launch of a new testing system that facilitates more accurate and precise lung cancer diagnoses.

Elecsys ProGRP can help to distinguish between small cell and non-small cell lung cancer and diagnose early-stage small cell cases, offering a better performance than standard neuron-specific enolase (NSE) tests.

It is the first test from Roche which can be determined in serum or plasma, allowing combined applications with NSE from a single sample tube.

Correct differential diagnosis in lung cancer is a key healthcare priority, as the two forms of the disease have different prognoses and must be treated differently.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer for Roche Diagnostics, said: "ProGRP meets a medical need for more precise diagnosis, supporting medical decision-making and helping healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes."

Earlier this month, it was announced that Roche Diagnostics will be acquiring Constitution Medical, the creator of an innovative new haematology testing system.