10 March 2008
Chelmsford hospital is the first to offer new prostate cancer test on the NHS
Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford is the first NHS Trust to offer a new gene based test which can detect early prostate cancer in urine.
The PCA3 test measures the activity of a gene closely related to prostate cancer – the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3).The activity of the gene is elevated only in cancerous prostate tissue, making it a more effective way of detecting prostate cancer than the current PSA blood test. It is a useful additional diagnostic tool that could potentially help reduce the number of unwanted biopsies.
PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, a protein made by the prostate which naturally leaks into the bloodstream. A high PSA score may indicate that cancer is present, but it is a very non specific test as PSA is produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate cells. This often results in the patient undergoing several biopsies to determine if any cancer is present. PCA will potentially reduce these.
Mr Ranjan Thilagarajah, consultant urologist at Broomfield Hospital, said:” Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies affecting the Western male population so this new test is a huge breakthrough. Until now, it has not been available on the NHS and so we are delighted that we are the first Trust to offer it to patients. The PCA3 test is both clinically and economically beneficial.
“The value of PCA3 is that it adds to the information provided by PSA in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. PCA3 is present in prostate cancer cells up to 100 times more than in non-cancerous cells. If a patient has a high proportion of PCA3, this can be detected in the urine. A negative test can reassure patients and may help avoid the need for unnecessary repeat prostate biopsies. The result is known within days.”
PCA3 is a hospital based test for men who are already being investigated for a prostate problem that might turn out to be cancer. It is not a test that can be done on request by a GP for a man who fears he may have prostate cancer.
John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “Prostate cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Current diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, such as the PSA test, have their drawbacks, so PCA3 is a positive addition. We welcome Broomfield hospital’s decision to offer this test on the NHS.”
Mr. Neate continues: “The PCA3 test has the potential to make a big difference to some men’s lives by helping doctors decide whether or not to proceed with more biopsies – which can be painful and can have unwanted side effects. If the test indicates it is unlikely that the man has prostate cancer, this reassures both the man and his doctor and repeat biopsies can be avoided.”
Introducing this new test has been a real team effort and the Trust has the full support of the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust who commission the services.
Sallie Mills-Lewis, director of commissioning and redesign at mid Essex PCT said: “This is an exciting innovation and a very welcome development in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. We are very pleased to be able to support its introduction.”
In addition Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford is also keen to be involved in a number for research projects around this new service which will help to raise awareness of the test further.”
Aimen Hasseni, project leader for the new post graduate medical institute at Anglia Ruskin said” We are looking forward to working with the Trust on this project to help with auditing and also to look into research projects around it.”
ENDS
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