According to a new study, Homemade saliva test better identifies the risk of cancer Prostate in some men than standard market testing. The results have people High cancer risk From prostate, one of the most common cancers among men, you may have a new low -screening option for providing false positives that require one day annoying follow -up.
For a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers used salivary samples from the United Kingdom to about 6,400 men between the ages of 50 and 60 years. DNA models to calculate your cancer risk Prostate, which is called the polygenic risk score.
Next, additional studies and biopsy performed with men High risk marks40% of them were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Of men who are marked as high risk with a standard prostate screens, 25% are actually cancer, which is significantly worse than the SPIT test.
According to Rosalind Els, one of the authors of the study and the teacher of Anchogenitis Cancer research (ICR), this means that the introduction of saliva tests “can identify men The risk of aggressive cancer It requires additional evidence and avoid unnecessary treatment for men with low risk. “
Incorrect positives of standard trials
Standard A blood analysis It monitors the protein known as a specific prostate antigen (BSA). The high levels of the BSA may be a symbol Prostate cancer. The BSA test is usually used in men with high risk of cancer because of age or race or symptoms. Men with a large amount of BSA Additional tests To make sure they have cancer.
However, according to the ICR, this test provides false positive Find low -large cancer They never endanger life, many men under unnecessary studies, biopsy and treatments. According to the researchers, the salivary test may be another screening tool for men who present the greatest risk or symptoms of prostate cancer.
Monitoring men with high polygenic risk scores to verify future studies If they develop prostate cancer. But before the saliva tests become a common practice, logistics and The cost of integrating them into the health systemAccording to Michael Ethnic OU, Professor of Systems and Health Genetics of the University of Cambridge who did not participate in the study. “For me, the study really begins to believe it These investments are worth“He said.
