Scientists have developed a groundbreaking saliva test that could revolutionize prostate cancer detection, offering a more accurate alternative to the widely used PSA blood test. The test identifies genetic markers in DNA linked to prostate cancer, reducing false positives and unnecessary procedures like biopsies and scans. It also excels at detecting aggressive tumors, which are often missed by PSA tests. This innovation is part of the BARCODE 1 study, involving over 6,000 European men, and aims to establish best practices for national screening programs in the UK.

The saliva test calculates a polygenic risk score based on 130 genetic mutations associated with prostate cancer. Men with the highest scores undergo further screening, including MRI scans and biopsies. Results show that 40% of these high-risk individuals were diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 25% detected through PSA testing. Notably, 78% of cancers identified had normal PSA levels but were classified as aggressive. This highlights the saliva test’s ability to pinpoint dangerous cases while sparing low-risk individuals from unnecessary treatments.

Prostate cancer claims around 12,000 lives annually in the UK, yet there is no national screening program due to the limitations of current blood tests. The saliva test offers a simple, cost-effective solution that can be administered at home. Patients provide a spit sample, which is analyzed for genetic variations linked to the disease. Researchers believe this tool could significantly improve early detection rates and reduce mortality by targeting high-risk groups more effectively.

The study findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and have been described as promising by experts. Researchers emphasize the need for further trials across diverse populations to ensure its applicability worldwide. If successful, this approach could transform prostate cancer care and screening practices globally.