UEA launches project to better detect prostate cancer in Black men

Published by  News Archive

On 5th Jul 2022

A Black man speaks to a health professional

Researchers at the University of East Anglia, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust and Oxford Biodynamics are developing a new genetic blood test for prostate cancer in Black men - who are twice as likely to develop and die of the disease than white men.

The project will see researchers combine DNA testing with AI to create the new test – thanks to funding from Prostate Cancer Research.

The team hope that their technology could one day be used to screen for prostate cancer among Black men, as well as better diagnose other racial groups, for a wide range of cancers.  

Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “In the UK there is a racial disparity in prostate cancer, where Black patients are twice as likely to develop the disease and die of it than white men.

“Recent research shows that this staggering racial difference for prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality is due to genetic differences, but their exact nature is currently not known.

“We want to create a fundamentally new, highly accurate genetic blood test for prostate cancer in Black men, taking into account their genetic diversity.

“Developing tailored genetic testing is really important because getting an early diagnosis allows better treatment. The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer is 100 per cent, compared with only 50 per cent for those with stage four cancer.”

The team’s previous research has shown that prostate cancer tumours leave a genetic imprint on blood cells, and that this can be detected using a PCR technique, much like a Covid test.

The new project is the first of its kind and will look for specific genetic imprints in the blood of Black patients and compare them to their white counterparts, and a control group without cancer.

Urology consultant Dr Mathias Winkler, Mathias from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Prostate cancer in Black men is twice as common as in white men. 

"We are poised to help Black men with finding their prostate cancers earlier and treating them better so that these cancers have a minimal impact on quality of life.”

Prof Elena Kulinskaya, from UEA’s School of Computing Sciences, said: “We will use new technology that combines DNA testing with machine learning algorithms.

“These tests could be performed in most hospitals and are rapid, minimally invasive, accurate and cost-effective, so they could be used for cancer screening – leading to early identification of patients that would be otherwise missed,

“We hope that the advent of such tests will provide significant opportunities to tackle racial disparity in cancer diagnosis and treatment across other cancers and racial groups,” she added.

This project has been made possible thanks to a grant from Prostate Cancer Research.

Prostate Cancer Research has committed to funding at least three rounds of targeted projects which will explore solutions to the racial disparity within prostate cancer over the next three years, as part of a broader health inequities programme which also focuses on health literacy and data.

Dr Naomi Elster, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer Research, said: “This important work led by Prof Pshezhetskiy is not only advancing our technology, it’s making sure that the most cutting-edge technology takes diversity into account so that it will work for everyone.

“There is a real need for a new way to diagnose prostate cancer, as the PSA blood test we currently use is not as accurate as we want, rectal exams are invasive and people understandably are not comfortable with them, and imaging techniques such as MRI require specialist equipment that may not always be available. We see real potential in this targeted genetic test.”

Latest News

 
Prof David Maguire
27 Mar 2023

University of East Anglia appoints new Vice-Chancellor

UEA is very pleased to announce that Professor David Maguire has been appointed as the University’s new Vice-Chancellor, joining in May 2023.

Read more >
 
A group of people in a meeting.
27 Mar 2023

INCREASE VS project helps thousands of people into employment and entrepreneurship

New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows that large infrastructure projects must also offer sustainable, local investment in deprived...

Read more >
 
A disabled child watches a video on a phone with an adult.
24 Mar 2023

More support needed for children with disabilities using the Internet

Children with disabilities need better support to manage their online lives and potential online risks, finds UEA researcher.

Read more >
 
A medical professional administering a Covid-19 vaccine.
23 Mar 2023

Vaccination halves risk of long Covid, largest study to date shows

Read more >
Are you searching for something?
 
A medical professional administering a Covid-19 vaccine.
23 Mar 2023

Vaccination halves risk of long Covid, largest study to date shows

Read more >
 
Sea defences on the coast of Ghana.
23 Mar 2023

Measuring impacts of climate change on heritage to be explored at conference

A major conference on coastal heritage loss due to climate change is taking place at the University of East Anglia next week.

Read more >
 
An injured man on the beach.
23 Mar 2023

Scientists warn of rise in potentially fatal bacterial infection due to global warming

Continued warming of the climate would see a rise in the number and spread of potentially fatal infections caused by bacteria found along parts of the coast of...

Read more >
 
A hand holding up a lightbulb with a graduation cap on, green background
22 Mar 2023

Success for UEA in QS World University Rankings

UEA has ranked in the top tier of universities worldwide in a number of areas in the QS World University Rankings By Subject 2023, released Wednesday 22 March,...

Read more >
 
Spring Street Market L-R: floral prints, crafter birds, The Street with visitors, fruit and vegetables, jewellery stall
17 Mar 2023

Student and graduate businesses given chance to shine on campus at Spring Street Market

Held on Wednesday 15 March, the inaugural Spring Street Market was a bustling success for the University of East Anglia (UEA), with a high turnout of both stall...

Read more >
 
A trans man in a business meeting.
17 Mar 2023

Study highlights challenges facing transgender and non-binary workers

New research led by the University of East Anglia highlights some of the challenges that transgender and non-binary staff can face at work.

Read more >
 
A man holds a credit card as he types on a laptop.
28 Mar 2023

How repeated questions could put you at risk of cyber crime

People reveal more personal information when you ask them the same questions a second time – according to new research from the University of East Anglia.

Read more >