New at-home saliva test detects prostate cancer earlier than blood test: Study

A groundbreaking study has revealed that a simple at-home saliva test can more accurately detect aggressive prostate cancer than the standard prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

The saliva test analyses 130 genetic variants to calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS), identifying individuals at higher risk for prostate cancer.

The study was conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

In a trial involving over 6,000 men aged 55 to 69, the test detected aggressive cancers in 55.1% of positive cases, compared to 35.5% with the PSA test.

Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers said 40% of men with the highest genetic risk scores were diagnosed with prostate cancer following MRI and biopsy, whereas only 25% of those with elevated PSA levels received a cancer diagnosis.

The non-invasive nature of the saliva test allows for at-home sample collection, potentially increasing participation in screening programmes. Researchers emphasise that while the test shows promise, further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness across diverse populations.

With prostate cancer cases projected to double by 2040, this innovative approach could play a crucial role in early detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives.