Cambridge scientists develop ‘super test’ for prostate cancer

New test aims to revolutionise prostate cancer screening

Scientists in Cambridge have developed a new ‘super test’ for prostate cancer to improve screening, diagnosis and personalised treatment. The test identifies cancerous cells, signs of early and late-stage cancer, whether it is slow or aggressive and genetic risks in the patient.

The test involves studying a combination of clinically validated prostate-related biomarkers in blood and urine samples. The AI-driven algorithm highlights early signs of cancer and guides treatment selection. There are 55,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the UK each year and more than 330,000 across European Union countries.

The new test, developed by EDX Medical Group, measures more than 100 biomarkers and is analysed by an AI algorithm. Currently available advanced tests rely on up to 20 biomarkers per test. The test is expected to deliver accuracy with sensitivity and specificity of between 96-99% across diverse age and ethnic groups.

The non-invasive test will detect various sub-types of prostate cancer. The test takes a ‘multi-omics’ approach, combining multiple proteomic, transcriptomic, genetic and epigenetic biomarker signatures. A comprehensive list of phenotypic and symptom data is analysed by the AI algorithm.

Individually, these biomarkers have been clinically validated and published in trials on more than 31,000 positive prostate cancer samples and over 100,000 non-cancer samples. A highly accurate test will benefit seemingly well men aged 45-70 and healthcare providers.

The increased accuracy should reduce the need for unnecessary MRI scans and invasive digital rectal examinations. The new test is being developed at the Cambridge laboratory of EDX Medical Group. The company has filed a patent application for the test and the AI algorithm.

Prof Sir Chris Evans, founder and chief scientific officer of EDX Medical, said: “Every indication shows it will be the most accurate and sensitive screening test available.”

EDX Medical’s scientific team will validate further clinical data before seeking regulatory approval. The test is expected to launch later this year or early 2026.