Could This Blood Test Revolutionize Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer?
Proteomics International has published clinical validation results for PromarkerEso, a novel blood test that detects esophageal adenocarcinoma with remarkable accuracy, promising a non-invasive alternative to costly and uncomfortable endoscopy procedures.
- PromarkerEso achieves 91.4% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity in detecting esophageal adenocarcinoma
- Test uses four glycoprotein biomarkers combined with patient data for risk scoring
- Addresses major diagnostic gap where 90% of esophageal adenocarcinoma cases go undetected
- Commercial launch imminent in Australia with plans for global expansion
- Potential to reduce reliance on invasive endoscopy and improve early cancer detection
A New Era in Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX, PIQ) has reached a significant milestone with the publication of clinical validation results for its PromarkerEso blood test, a first-in-class diagnostic tool for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The test demonstrated outstanding accuracy, with a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 98.9%, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Proteomes.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of esophageal cancer, is notoriously difficult to detect early. It often develops silently in patients suffering from chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conditions affecting up to 20% of Western populations. Current screening relies heavily on invasive endoscopy procedures, which are costly, uncomfortable, and still miss up to 90% of cases.
How PromarkerEso Works
PromarkerEso leverages proteomics technology to measure four specific glycoprotein biomarkers in the blood, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, complement C9, and plasma kallikrein, combined with patient clinical factors such as age, sex, and body mass index. This data feeds into a proprietary algorithm that generates a clear risk score categorized as low, moderate, or high. This straightforward 'traffic light' system aims to guide clinicians in deciding which patients require further invasive testing.
The clinical validation involved 259 participants across three independent cohorts from Australia and the United States, confirming the test’s robustness and reproducibility. The study was a collaborative effort involving leading research institutions including QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, and Emory University.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare Systems
With esophageal cancer ranking seventh in cancer-related mortality worldwide and a five-year survival rate below 20%, early detection is critical. The current US expenditure on treating esophageal cancer exceeds $2.9 billion annually, underscoring the economic burden of late-stage diagnosis and treatment.
Proteomics International’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Lipscombe, highlighted the transformative potential of PromarkerEso, "This test could revolutionize how doctors manage esophageal cancer risk by providing a simple, non-invasive screening tool that improves early detection rates and reduces the need for uncomfortable endoscopies." The test’s commercial rollout in Australia is expected soon, with plans to expand into other markets, particularly the United States, where demand for improved diagnostic pathways is high.
Looking Ahead
While the results are promising, further studies are needed to evaluate PromarkerEso’s performance across different stages of esophageal cancer and diverse demographic groups. Regulatory certification under ISO 15189 is underway to enable clinical use, and efforts to raise awareness among clinicians and patient advocacy groups continue.
As Proteomics International prepares for commercialisation, the healthcare community will be watching closely to see if this innovative blood test can shift the paradigm in esophageal cancer diagnosis, offering hope for earlier intervention and better patient outcomes.
Bottom Line?
PromarkerEso’s clinical validation marks a pivotal step toward transforming esophageal cancer diagnosis, but broader adoption and further validation remain key hurdles ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will PromarkerEso gain regulatory approvals and reimbursement in major markets like the US?
- Can the test maintain its high accuracy across diverse populations and early-stage cancer cases?
- What partnerships or collaborations will Proteomics International pursue to accelerate global commercialisation?
