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Scientists at Aston University, led by Professor Igor Meglinski, have developed a "breakthrough" test that could detect prostate cancer in just 15 minutes using dried blood samples. This new method analyses crystal-like protein structures in dehydrated blood, allowing for the early detection of prostate cancer with up to 90% accuracy, even before symptoms appear. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, offers a non-invasive alternative to the standard PSA blood test, which often lacks precision and requires further uncomfortable examinations.
The innovative technique relies on a detailed analysis of protein structures in dry blood smears using a novel polarisation-based image reconstruction method. This approach focuses on the changes in protein shapes and how they aggregate in the early stages of prostate cancer, enabling a more accurate differentiation between healthy and cancerous samples. According to Prof. Meglinski, this method could revolutionize cancer diagnosis by providing a rapid, accurate, and less invasive testing option, significantly improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
However, the findings are preliminary, and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the technique’s effectiveness. Experts like Dr. Matthew Hobbs from Prostate Cancer UK emphasize the need for further research to validate these promising results and establish the test as a superior alternative to existing prostate cancer screening methods.
