University of Otago pathology and molecular medicine researcher Dr Jim Smith has received a three-year, $260,000 Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) grant to create a targeted DNA methylation-based blood test to detect the disease.
He said New Zealand had some of the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and much poorer outcomes in Māori communities.
"For many patients, the decisions around screening, investigations and treatment can be challenging.
"Whilst our pathways for prostate cancer detection are slowly improving, the tools currently available for detecting prostate cancer are either cost-ineffective, lack accuracy, or are not equitably provided to all patients at risk."
Dr Smith will perform the first comprehensive epigenetic analysis of blood samples from New Zealand men undergoing prostate biopsy, and will use the data to develop the blood test.
"Epigenetic markers, particularly DNA methylation, are important drivers of prostate cancer, and have shown promise as potential biomarkers for cancer detection via a simple blood test.
"Such a test would provide early and accurate prostate cancer detection, leading to improved survival, fewer unnecessary procedures and decreased costs of care for prostate cancer patients," he said.
He will be working with a wider group of researchers and collaborators on the project.
Dr Smith’s project is one of five from the University of Otago to receive an award or fellowship in the latest HRC funding round.
Each project tackles issues many New Zealanders face every day, and has the ability to change lives.
Other HRC grants were awarded to: Dr Tim Salmond, of Wellington, to study the role of continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes self-management education; Dr Michelle Walker, of Dunedin, to study the experiences of mothers and their families during postnatal psychiatric illness; Dr Sarah Pirikahu, of Wellington, to study who is missing out on Covid-19 antivirals; and Charlotte Webb, of Dunedin, to undertake research that supports hapū māmā (mothers) to make informed decisions about vaccination during pregnancy.
