Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX: PIQ) has taken a significant new step in its fight against one of the world’s deadliest forms of cancer after its “PromarkerEso” blood test showed a detection accuracy of 94 per cent for the disease.
After the new clinical validation study focused on esophageal cancer – the sixth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths – the company now says its diagnostic blood test has the potential to replace the world’s existing gold standard screening procedures that require a specialist endoscopy costing US$2750 (AU$4000) per patient in the United States. The expensive procedure requirements culminate in a total annual expenditure of US$2.9 billion (AU$4.3 billion) in that nation alone for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Proteomics’ study analysed 165 samples from the Victoria Cancer Biobank, consisting of 66 samples with esophageal adenocarcinoma – which is the predominant type of esophageal cancer in North America, Australia and Europe – and 99 healthy control samples.
It also included assessment of the refined PromarkerEso test on a previously analysed cohort that the company says delivered strong diagnostic accuracy. In total, close to 300 samples have now been analysed across three independent patient groups.
Management noted that the new results build on its previous findings that enabled development of the test’s prototype and helped validate the biomarker panel used in the PromarkerEso test.
Proteomics is now preparing to launch its blood test in Australia once it has achieved its “ISO 15189” accreditation, with a target date pencilled in for the first quarter of next year. Other jurisdictions are then expected to follow.
PromarkerEso already holds patents in Europe, China and Australia, with other territories pending, including the US where the company plans to utilise its understanding of existing regulatory processes to fast-track commercialisation via both traditional out-licensing and direct-to-patient strategies.
“We see enormous market potential for a diagnostic test to improve screening and surveillance in at-risk populations. If we can detect esophageal cancer earlier with PromarkerEso then we can help reduce the enormous cost burden of this disease on healthcare systems and save many lives.”Proteomics International Laboratories managing director Dr Richard Lipscombe
According to the company, esophageal cancer affects more than 600,000 people each year worldwide. It has a five-year survival rate of 20 per cent due to its late stage-diagnosis.
Proteomics says the prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased drastically, recording a six-fold increase in the past 40 years. Some 90 per cent of esophageal adenocarcinoma cases go undetected despite between one per cent and two per cent of the western population considered to be at risk of developing the form of the disease.
The company will this week showcase its potentially game-changing findings at the 20th annual ISDE World Congress for Esophageal Diseases in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Proteomics’ fight against esophageal cancer appears to be gaining momentum, with the latest clinical studies showing how its simple blood test could potentially revolutionise the norms for the identification and treatment of one of the world’s most impactful diseases.
It is likely to mean that stock market participants will be keeping a close eye on the company as its commercialisation push for PromarkerEso builds steam.
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