An early diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer developed in WA has correctly identified 89% of patients with the disease during the latest round of clinical studies.
Proteomics International Laboratories’ (Proteomics International) blood test uses biomarkers – protein ‘fingerprints’ – to diagnose oesophageal adenocarcinoma and the pre-malignant condition, Barrett’s oesophagus, with the aim of detecting the disease sooner and potentially improving health outcomes.
The most recent results from the prototype’s ongoing trials showed strong discrimination at early and late stages of the disease, correctly identifying 89% of patients with oesophageal cancer, and 92% of patients without the disease.
The findings were presented at the annual ISDE World Congress for Oesophageal Diseases in Canada on September 8-10, with Proteomics International the only company in this field invited to address the conference.
Proteomics International Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe says the technology has the potential to act as a screening test, providing earlier diagnosis without the need for an invasive and painful endoscopy – which is currently the only way to diagnose the disease.
“The results build on earlier work looking at 300 samples from two independent clinical studies, which correctly identified up to 90% of patients with oesophageal cancer – this has the ability to have a significant impact,” he said.
“We believe the key to early diagnosis is offering a tool that is simpler and financially more affordable for people to access in comparison to the current diagnostic options. The ultimate goal is that by detecting it earlier, treatment can begin sooner, and lives can be saved.”
Oesophageal cancer is the seventh most common cancer globally, contributing to 1 in 20 cancer deaths worldwide in 2018.
A lack of symptoms in the early stage means the cancer is often not detected until it is advanced, with chronic acid reflux (gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) among the risk factors, and men more likely to be diagnosed than women.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has the five-year survival rate for oesophageal cancer in Australia at 23% in 2014-2018, although that has improved from 14% between 1989-1993.
“By offering a simple blood test, the hope is to not only allow for much earlier detection of oesophageal cancer, but to also allow for ongoing monitoring of pre-cancerous tissue,” Dr Lipscombe said.
“If we can improve the way doctors are able to monitor those with Barrett’s oesophagus, or displaying other ‘at-risk’ factors, we hope to be able to change the overall management of the disease, and again, detect any changes at a much earlier stage.”
The company has also recently signed an agreement to access 350 additional patient samples from the Victorian Cancer Biobank, which will be used for external validation of the accuracy of the test, with results expected early next year.
Key Facts about oesophageal cancer in Australia;
- Main Types: Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of oesophageal cancer in Australia, often starting near the gastro-oesophageal junction and linked with Barrett’s oesophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the cells that line the oesophagus.
- Patient Numbers: It was estimated that more than 1700 people would be diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in Australia in 2022, with men more likely than women to be diagnosed.
- Signs and Symptoms: While there may not be any symptoms in the early stages, some symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, new heartburn, reflux that doesn’t go away, vomit containing blood, black or bloody stools, unexplained fatigue, discomfort in upper abdomen particularly when eating, unexplained weight loss.
- Risk Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, exposure to certain chemical fumes, family history of gastrointestinal disorders, certain medical conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus or gastro-intestinal reflux disease.
About Barrett’s oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus is a pre-malignant condition characterised by the transformation of the normal tissue lining of the oesophagus to resemble the lining of the intestine. It is estimated that approximately 10–15% of patients with chronic acid reflux (GERD) develop Barrett’s oesophagus.
People with Barrett’s oesophagus face a significantly higher risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma. As a precautionary measure, regular endoscopic screenings are recommended to detect any signs of oesophageal cancer, and studies conducted on Western populations indicate around 1–2% of adults are affected by the condition.