UC San Diego Health has developed the first blood test for testicular cancer available in the U.S., according to an announcement. The test, the product of ten years of research, aids precision medicine in testicular cancer patients.
The test calculates biomarker microRNA-371a-3P and has the ability to detect testicular cancer cell presence with 90% accuracy. Physicians can use the test to: help them decide which patients would benefit from chemotherapy or surgery, predict who will experience disease recurrence, and for follow-up care.
UC San Diego Health is working to integrate the test into their regular care plans. The university reported that while the test is only available to their patients right now, they are working to expand to “accept external samples from other medical centers worldwide later this year.” Additionally, the test is certified by is College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
Diane Simeone, MD, director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health emphasized in a press release, "This breakthrough represents the kind of investment in innovation that can save lives while improving quality of life for cancer survivors. We regularly receive inquiries from patients all over the world and are thrilled we can now offer this advanced tool to help optimize outcomes for patients with testicular cancer.”
