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It's Highly Specific. It's Non-invasive. And It's Got to Be Cheaper, People

Sep 21, 2007

The release of a new genetic test in the UK highlights the promise and pitfalls of biomarker-based diagnostics. The test measures the expression of PCA3, a gene linked to prostate cancer, and relies on urine samples instead of blood, according to this report from BBC. The promise: The gene under scrutiny appears to be "a more specific indicator of cancer than PSA," the article says. And the pitfall: But the diagnostic will cost £200, making it "unlikely to be used routinely" with more potential for use in "high-risk patients."

 

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