New genetic test helps identify aggressive prostate cancer to guide treatment

A clinical trial involving 6,000 prostate cancer patients found that a DNA test called Decipher can help identify which tumours will spread, the Daily Mirror reported. The test helps determine which patients would benefit from standard treatment alongside a hormone drug to stop the cancer from spreading. [1]

The findings aim to address ongoing issues with overtreatment in Britain's most common cancer, according to the Daily Mirror. Standard diagnosis relies on the prostate specific antigen test, which often struggles to distinguish between fast-growing tumours and slow-growing ones that require only monitoring. [1]

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth that can form malignant tumours and spread to other parts of the body. The prostate is an organ located near the bladder and rectum, measuring around three to four centimetres in width in adults. [3][4]

Researchers led by Dr Sarah Howlett of University College London conducted the trial to improve diagnosis methods, the Daily Mirror reported. The approach aims to prevent men with slow-growing tumours from undergoing unnecessary chemotherapy. [1]