Test for better detection of prostrate cancer

A test developed by British scientists to detect prostate cancer has now been introduced at PD Hinduja hospital.

According to doctors, the test has so far proven to be twice as precise as the existing Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, and is based on urine rather than blood, which makes it cheaper to perform.

“The micro semino protein beta (MSMB) is a urine-based test. We already have a test for detecting prostrate cancer, before its symptoms start showing, called PSA. MSMB test will increase the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis,” said Dr Vipla Puri, head of Radioimmunoassay (RIA), PD Hinduja hospital.
The test looks for levels of MSMB in the urine.

“In Mumbai, prostrate cancer is the third most common cancer in men. The first is lung and the second oral cancer. However, these days, cases of prostrate cancer are rising,” said Dr Anil Heroor, oncosurgeon, Fortis Cancer Institute.

Another oncosurgeon Dr V Srinivas said, “Prostrate cancer is more common in the USA compared to India but the detection rate here is picking up because of PSA test.”

According to doctors, the PSA test, which is a part of the hospital’s health check-up plan for people, was just a screening marker and couldn’t be taken as a confirmatory test.

“It is not necessary that a person testing positive for PSA test will get prostrate cancer. It can be just a prostrate infection or enlargement of the gland. The MSMB test will strengthen the screening marker,” said Puri.

He, however, said that these tests should be supported by other advanced tests if tested positive. “Such tests do not work in isolation. The person should go for ultrasound and other tests if the former is positive. The good news is that these tests help in early detection of prostrate cancer. Men aged above 40 should go for these tests,” added Puri.