A new scientific research by experts at the Durham University has yielded a new tool for identifying prostate cancer, which could make the entire process of discovering the disease and starting treatments more efficient, thus improving the odds of the patient. Working together with colleagues from the University of Maryland in the US, the scientists have created an analysis technique that relies on measuring the wavelengths of light reflecting through a solution containing prostate liquid samples harvested through regular means.

Basically, the experts are using light energy to measure the level of citrate in these samples, and they have refined the technique to a point where they can obtain conclusive results in a matter of minutes, rather than having to wait for expensive and time-consuming lab tests. It's estimated that over 10,000 men die from this type of cancer every year in the UK alone, while one in four cancers that are located in men are cancers of the prostate.

“Citrate provides a significant biomarker for disease that may provide a reliable method for screening and detecting prostate cancer, and for the monitoring of people with the disease. This technique could form the basis of a simple screening procedure for prostate cancer that could be used in outpatient departments at local hospitals,” the leader of the new research, DU Chemistry Department Professor David Parker, explained.

The expert added that the research could also be used to devise a number of other detection therapies for a host of medical conditions, including those involving poor kidney function. “Citrate is formed in cell metabolism processes which alter as cancers grow. The analysis of the citrate concentration of prostatic fluid can provide an accurate way to screen and diagnose prostate cancer. Since citrate concentrations decrease markedly early in malignancy, this technique makes it possible to analyze what’s happening quickly in the early and treatable stage of prostate cancer. It shows much promise as a clinical tool,” UM expert, Professor Leslie Costello, explained.

“It’s been a complex process to develop the technique, but we’re very optimistic about it. Ultimately, this could provide an accurate method of screening for prostate cancer in men that could be carried out in 3-minutes once a biopsy has been obtained from the patient at a hospital outpatient department,” Professor Parker concluded.