Prostate Cancer Detection Test Enters Clinical Trials

February 12, 2025

Prostate Cancer Detection Test Enters Clinical Trials

The GlycoScore Prostate Cancer Test, a simple blood test enabling accurate early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer is now entering its clinical trial stage before a potential commercial launch. GlycoScore’s high sensitivity and specificity supports clinical decision-making and the identification of prostate cancer, reducing unnecessary prostate biopsies.

 

The clinical trials are currently underway at Royal Liverpool University Hospital and are being managed by Medtechtomarket, the company also responsible for the product development and manufacturing of the system.

 

The GlycoScore Prostate Cancer Test detects a patented combination of 3 biomarkers to accurately identify clinically relevant prostate cancer and ensure that only patients with significant risk need to undergo the invasive procedure of prostate-tissue biopsy. Previously, patients would have to undergo invasive procedures to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa), with up to 70% of (prostate) biopsies returning negative results.

 

GlycoScore is built on over a decade of clinical and academic research by Dr Jennifer Munkley and her team at Newcastle University. This research focuses on glycan sugars that are an important driver of prostate cancer growth and spread.

In addition to being used for accurate diagnosis, other commercial applications of the test include active surveillance following a diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer, and also remission monitoring following treatment.

 

This project is supported by Prostate Cancer UK and Prostate Cancer Research.

 

“The current diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer is failing men. We know only too well the need to make significant changes to the current pathway so that we deliver more benefit and do less harm. The GlycoScoreDx Prostate Cancer test offers a real chance to improve patient outcomes, crucially reducing late diagnosis of the disease. We’re proud to have funded the early research and delighted to have seen the progress made by Dr Munkley and her team that has enabled GlycoScoreDx to reach this important stage so quickly. We will continue to provide advice and support to the company as it takes the crucial next steps towards clinical application.”

 

DR MATTHEW HOBBS
Director of Research, Prostate Cancer UK

 

“We are excited by the prospect of a diagnostic test that could remove the uncertainty and anxiety that surrounds the current PSA test in use today. Prostate Cancer Research is delighted to support GlycoScoreDx to validate their test and to help accelerate their vital research.”

 

DR JAYNE SPINK

Translational Research Director, Prostate Cancer Research