RNA sequencing could offer more accurate testing for prostate cancer

A study on non-coding RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) from prostate cancer patients has identified a series of new prostate cancer markers which can be found in urine, which when combined into a single test potentially opens the door for simple, accurate non-invasive testing for prostate cancer. 

Current tests for prostate cancer, such as the PSA and PCA3 tests, are not particularly accurate, which leads to a high level of missed cancers or false positives. A test with greater specificity and accuracy has the potential to make population screening a much more viable option.

A group of German researchers, led by Professor Friedemann Horn of the University of Leipzig and the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig and Professor Manfred Wirth of the University of Dresden, has taken a systematic approach to identify new biomarkers, which can offer greater prostate cancer specificity.

Based on the results, the team is working to develop a highly specific and sensitive urine-based test for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. This test will be based on a combination of several biomarkers, as this will give greater specificity than a single marker.