Warnex Launches PCA3 Test for Prostate Cancer Detection in Canada

Strategic Insights -

Warnex Inc., a life sciences company, has launched a new website for its PCA3 test for prostate cancer detection, available throughout Canada. The PCA3 test is a non-invasive, simple test performed on a urine sample that informs patients on their risk of having prostate cancer. According to Warnex, the PCA3 test is highly specific and more precise than other available screening tests for prostate cancer. The company offers the PCA3 testing service since 2008 and uses advanced PCR technology to detect mRNA from the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3).

Key Takeaways:

  • Warnex's PCA3 test is a non-invasive, simple test performed on a urine sample that informs patients on their risk of having prostate cancer.
  • The PCA3 test is highly specific and more precise than other available screening tests for prostate cancer.
  • The test uses advanced PCR technology to detect mRNA from the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) and measures the expression of PCA3 mRNA in urine samples.
  • High ratios of PCA3 mRNA to PSA mRNA have been shown to be indicative of prostate cancer.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men, with one in 8 men developing prostate cancer during his lifetime and one in 27 men dying of it.
  • PCA3 screening may help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.
  • Warnex's PCA3 test is available throughout Canada and can be accessed through the company's website, www.pca3.ca.
  • Warnex Medical Laboratories, a leading laboratory for molecular medicine in Canada, offers specialized laboratory testing in various medical specialties, including oncology, endocrinology, haematology, infectious diseases, and obstetrics/gynaecology.
  • Warnex is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (ISO 15189) and COLA, a U.S. healthcare accreditation organization, and is certified by the Laboratoire de sante publique du Quebec (LSPQ).

Statistics:

  • One in 8 men in Canada will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime.
  • One in 27 men in Canada will die of prostate cancer.
  • The PCA3 test is more precise than other available screening tests for prostate cancer.
  • The test uses advanced PCR technology to detect mRNA from the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3).
  • High ratios of PCA3 mRNA to PSA mRNA have been shown to be indicative of prostate cancer.

Sources:

  • Warnex Inc. Press Release, September 6, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX)
  • Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics on Prostate Cancer (no date provided)