The Birmingham Prostate Clinic is the first in the West Midlands to introduce a new gene test for prostate cancer.

The PCA3 test is based on the expression of genes and provides a much more effective means of detecting prostate cancer than standard tests.

The new test will prevent many men from having unnecessary, repeated biopsies.

The Birmingham Prostate Clinic is the first of its kind outside London, offering medically advanced care for all conditions and diseases of the prostate.

Clinical Director of The Birmingham Prostate Clinic, Alan Doherty commented: “This is a really exciting and practical application of DNA technology to the fight against prostate cancer.”

Advances in medical technology have enabled scientists to detect miniscule processes within cells, such as the way genes express their coded information.

PCA3 is the expression of genes found in prostate cancer cells. Up to 100 times more PCA3 is present in prostate cancer cells than non-cancerous cells.

If a patient has a high proportion of PCA3, this can be detected in the patient’s urine.

The urine test is combined with a rectal examination and a negative test can reassure patients and may help avoid the need for prostate biopsies. The result is known within days.

Consultant Urologist Alan Doherty of the Birmingham Prostate Clinic explains: “The strength of this test is in its simplicity and accuracy. I am hoping PCA3 may indicate whether patients have the more aggressive types of prostate cancer.”

The standard test to assess whether men are at risk of prostate cancer is a PSA test.

PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, a protein made by the prostate which naturally leaks into the bloodstream.

A raised PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, especially if the level is high. However in many cases, a raised PSA is caused by non life-threatening, or benign disease, such as an enlarged prostate.

About three quarters of men with raised PSAs have benign disease.

“The PCA3 test is going to be a major new tool in the detection of prostate cancer,” said Mr Doherty.

“It will help to prevent unnecessary biopsies and select those cancers which need more aggressive treatment.”