New Saliva Test Could Improve Prostate Cancer Detection

A new saliva-based DNA test may better detect aggressive prostate cancers than current PSA blood tests, UK scientists say. The test analyzes 130 genetic mutations to assess a man's inherited risk and was tested on men aged 55–69. Those in the top 10% risk group were offered biopsies and MRI scans.

Of 745 high-risk men, 468 underwent further testing, leading to 187 cancer diagnoses — 103 of which were aggressive. Notably, 74 of those would likely have been missed by standard screening.

Unlike PSA tests, this method doesn’t detect cancer directly but identifies risk, allowing for targeted screening. While promising, it’s not yet proven to save lives and widespread use is years away. The test was trialed mainly on men of European ancestry, with further research ongoing for other groups. It will now be part of the UK’s Transform trial to evaluate national screening strategies.

22-04-2025

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