The Select MDX test , known as the liquid biopsy, is a non-invasive genetic test to detect the risk of developing prostate cancer and determine if the patient is a good candidate for a prostate biopsy.

The test is based on the study of biomarkers present in urine which, together with a series of analytical and clinical parameters such as PSA , prostate size, age and family history, allows predicting the probability of suffering from high-grade prostate cancer with an accuracy of 98%.

The test also allows for the identification of patients at very low risk of aggressive disease, with the aim of reducing unnecessary procedures. A negative predictive value (PPV) indicates a very low risk and a very low probability of developing prostate cancer: less than 10% of prostate cancer cases and less than 2% of that cancer being clinically relevant.

Studies show that 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Early detection is key, as 98,9% of men diagnosed early are still alive after five years, compared to 28% of men with advanced disease.

How is the Select MDX test performed?

The patient will first undergo a physical examination , including a digital rectal exam, so the doctor can palpate the prostate for any suspicious areas. If the doctor deems it necessary, a urine sample will be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis of the mRNA levels of the DLX1 and HOXC6 biomarkers present in urine, which are implicated in the development of prostate cancer.

The results are obtained in a period of approximately 10 days.

Who is the liquid biopsy test indicated for?

This Select MDX test is indicated for patients with suspected prostate cancer - without a biopsy or with a previous negative prostate biopsy - to increase the cost-effectiveness of the test and decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies.