Prostate cancer program
Miraculins is developing a prostate cancer diagnostic able to accurately identify cancer positives, and correctly classify those without cancer, with a sensitivity and specificity that is a significant improvement over existing diagnostic tools for prostate cancer.
The current diagnostic standards for prostate cancer are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
Screening for prostate cancer
Digital rectal exam
The DRE is the most common way to screen for prostate cancer. During this exam, the doctor checks the prostate gland for abnormalities. Most prostate cancers develop in the part of the prostate that lies closest to the rectum. This makes it easy to feel for lumps, irregularities or changes in size or consistency.
PSA blood test
The PSA test is a blood test that measures a substance called prostate specific antigen that is manufactured by the prostate. It is normal to find small quantities of PSA in the blood however problems with the prostate can cause the level of PSA to rise as well.
- PSA levels vary according to age and tend to rise gradually in men over 60.
- Elevated levels of PSA can be caused by several prostate problems and not necessarily cancer.
- If the prostate is enlarged, the PSA level may also be high.
- Occasionally, men with prostate cancer still have normal PSA levels.
A PSA test is better at finding abnormalities in the prostate than a DRE but it isn't a perfect test for detecting prostate cancer.
Annually, more than 45 million PSA tests are performed worldwide. However, the PSA test is unable to reliably distinguish between prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and cancer.
Of the 45 million men tested for PSA each year, nine million will undergo a prostate biopsy based upon elevated levels of PSA. It is estimated that 75% of these biopsies will be negative, a significant portion of which could be avoided if a diagnostic tool with greater accuracy was available.
Miraculins' prostate cancer diagnostic test
Miraculins' prostate cancer diagnostic is currently under development. It is a simple urine-based test that can be used to test men with an unclear diagnosis based on PSA levels. The test is able to correctly identify cancer positives, while correctly classifying those without cancer with a sensitivity and specificity greater than the PSA test. Our protein and peptide markers can be used to improve the information available to physicians and therefore improve the quality of treatment for these patients.
The Miraculins prostate cancer diagnostic has the ability to positively impact patient care by eliminating the need for a substantial number of biopsies that are currently performed on an annual basis. These biopsies place a significant strain on the patient and the healthcare system.
Prostate cancer facts
- Develops in the prostate, a walnut sized gland found only in men, located in the front of the rectum and underneath the urinary bladder.
- Most common cancer in Canadian men, affecting one in seven.
- Most common non-skin cancer in the United States, affecting one in six men.
- Is often slow-growing and can be managed successfully.