At-home spit test for prostate cancer outperforms PSA blood test in trials

The genetic saliva test identifies aggressive cancers more effectively, but experts call for broader validation before national screening adoption.

The spit test uses a polygenic risk score to analyze 130 genetic variants, detecting aggressive prostate cancers missed by the PSA blood test.
In trials with 6,300 UK men, the test identified 187 prostate cancer cases, including 103 aggressive cancers, many of which would have been undetected by current methods.
Researchers estimate the test could save the NHS approximately £500 million annually by reducing unnecessary procedures and improving early detection.
The test has shown promise in European populations, but further research is required to confirm its effectiveness across diverse demographics and its cost-efficiency.
The National Screening Committee is reviewing the test's potential for integration into screening programs, though experts stress more evidence is needed before widespread implementation.