Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men worldwide.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021, there will be approximately 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States alone, and about 34,130 men will die from the disease. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment, and the current approach to diagnosing prostate cancer involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a prostate biopsy.

The Problem with Current Methods

While the PSA blood test is the standard screening test for prostate cancer, it is not always accurate in detecting aggressive forms of the disease.

PSA levels can be elevated for reasons other than cancer, such as prostate inflammation or enlargement, and some men with prostate cancer may have normal PSA levels. Furthermore, the prostate biopsy procedure can be invasive, painful, and carries a risk of complications such as bleeding and infection.

The Solution

A new revolutionary blood test has been developed by researchers at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom that can diagnose aggressive prostate cancer more accurately than the PSA test.

The test works by measuring levels of a protein called Engrailed-2 (EN2), which is overexpressed in aggressive prostate cancer cells but not in healthy cells. The EN2 protein is shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream, where it can be detected using a simple blood test.

How It Works

The EN2 blood test is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office or laboratory. A small sample of blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The blood sample is tested for the presence of EN2 protein, and the level of EN2 protein in the blood is measured. If the level of EN2 protein is elevated, it is an indication that aggressive prostate cancer may be present.

Benefits of the EN2 Blood Test

The EN2 blood test offers several benefits over the current methods of diagnosing prostate cancer. Firstly, it is more accurate in detecting aggressive prostate cancer than the PSA test.

Secondly, it is non-invasive and does not require a biopsy, which reduces the risk of complications and discomfort for the patient. Finally, the EN2 blood test is less expensive than a biopsy, which makes it a more affordable option for patients and healthcare providers.

Current Status of the EN2 Blood Test

The EN2 blood test is currently undergoing clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness in diagnosing aggressive prostate cancer.

The trial involves testing the blood of men with suspected prostate cancer and comparing the results of the EN2 blood test with the results of the PSA test and biopsy. The results of the trial are expected to be available by the end of 2021.

Conclusion

The EN2 blood test is a promising new breakthrough in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis. It offers a more accurate, non-invasive, and affordable option for diagnosing aggressive prostate cancer compared to current methods.

The EN2 blood test has the potential to improve the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, which could save many lives in the future.