Home prostate cancer screening trial means faster results
Testing for prostate cancer with a few drops of blood and a mobile phone could mean faster diagnosis thanks to a new ground-breaking trial.
November is Men’s Health Month, more commonly known as Movember, and quicker screening for prostate cancer, which is diagnosed in 50,000 men every year, may soon become a reality.
The innovative approach, thought to be the first of its kind in the world for prostate cancer screening, allows patients to test themselves from the comfort of their home. After receiving a lateral flow test through the post, they take a simple finger-prick blood sample to screen for prostate cancer.
Results are captured via a smartphone app and securely sent to clinicians at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust for review and any necessary follow-up care.
Dr Rav Sodi, Consultant Clinical Biochemist at the Trust, said: “Traditional screening methods can involve longer waits as patients have to visit clinics to give blood samples.”
“This trial is a significant step forward in making prostate cancer screening more accessible as it helps remove barriers and improves response times, all of which means patients get peace of mind sooner, or we can begin their treatment faster. It’s also in keeping with harnessing technology effectively, focussing on preventative healthcare and reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint.”
The first part of this trail, which took a year, has already been completed at the Trust with patients being investigated for prostate cancer. It has also been evaluated in men attending events organised by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, a huge advocate of prostate cancer screening, with feedback already being extremely encouraging and positive.
One person taking part, said: “Having already been through prostate cancer, I’m always anxious about having to visit the hospital for my PSA (blood test) checks. Using the new…screening kit with the smartphone app was completely different to what I’m used to – it was simple, quick, and the thought of being able to do it at home without waiting for a clinic appointment is a big leap forward.
“Being able to easily perform the test in minutes, and knowing it would be securely shared with my clinical team, gave me real peace of mind. For someone with my history, that reassurance and convenience is huge.”
Dr Isabella Maund, Consultant Urological-Oncologist at the Trust, said: “Detection of prostate cancer early means better outcomes for our patients. Finding prostate cancer before it has spread means we can offer curative treatment with high success rates. There are many barriers to testing which can cause men to delay taking a test, including attending hospital for blood to be taken. This is especially the case for those who are less mobile or have caring commitments.
“Home testing empowers our patients to be able to take control of their own health and helps reduce health inequalities. The potential to improve the patient experience is clear, and to transform how we manage our prostate cancer patients in hospital and primary care settings.”
The second phase of the trial will recruit patients in the local community, as well as the Trust’s Urology Clinic, who will be testing themselves at home. This part of the trail is expected to last for around three months.
There will then be a third phase, a nationwide trial in unselected high-risk men with typical symptoms or a family history of the disease.
This exciting trial is a partnership between the Trust with Edinburgh-based company TestCard and global diagnostics manufacturer Healgen.
Dr Andrew Botham, Chief Scientific Officer at TestCard, said: “TestCard is proud to partner with such a forward-looking trust as Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and an innovator like Dr Rav Sodi to deliver this trial. Screening for prostate cancer in the home goes right to the heart of our mission at TestCard - making healthcare more accessible for all.”