Researchers in Australia have developed a new blood test that could transform the diagnosis of endometriosis. Study results published in the journal Human Reproduction suggest that this non-invasive test, known as PromarkerEndo, can detect all stages of endometriosis with a high degree of accuracy, potentially reducing the average seven-year wait for a diagnosis.
“This breakthrough is an exciting advance in the diagnosis of this debilitating disease,” Professor Peter Rogers, Research Director at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Professor of Women’s Health Research at the University of Melbourne, said.
“These results are a significant step towards solving the critical need for a non-invasive, accurate test that can diagnose endometriosis at an early stage as well as when it is more advanced.”
In this article, we’ll explore what endometriosis is, how it’s currently diagnosed, and dive into the details of this new blood test and it’s availability to the public.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects approximately 190 million women and teenage girls globally. It occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium, the lining inside the uterus, starts to grow outside the uterus. The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors. In Australia, one in nine women and girls are affected.
The symptoms of endometriosis differ from person to person. Some women may experience severe pain, while others might have mild symptoms or none at all. Common symptoms though, include chronic pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis can also lead to infertility, with many women only discovering they have the condition when they seek treatment for infertility.
What are the current tests for endometriosis?
At the moment, diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging and takes an average of seven years. The gold standard for diagnosis is laparoscopy, a keyhole surgical procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into the pelvic cavity to look for endometrial tissue.
Laparoscopy allows doctors to see the endometrial tissue directly and take biopsies for further examination. However, while called minimally invasive, it is a surgical procedure that requires anaesthesia and carries small risks. Non-invasive methods like ultrasounds and MRIs can help identify cysts associated with endometriosis, but they cannot definitively diagnose the condition. This often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, prolonging the suffering of those affected.
The new blood test for endometriosis diagnosis
PromarkerEndo – developed by Perth-based medical technology company Proteomics International – promises to be a significant step towards providing women with a blood test that can detect early stages of endometriosis.
In collaboration with the Royal Women’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, scientists analysed plasma samples from 805 participants across two independent groups and identified 10 protein biomarkers, or ‘fingerprints,’ in the blood that together can indicate the presence of endometriosis.
These biomarkers are proteins that are found in higher or lower levels in the blood of women with endometriosis compared to those without the condition. By measuring the levels of these proteins, the PromarkerEndo test, according to the studies to date, can provide a reliable indication of whether a woman has endometriosis. This represents a significant advance over imaging and surgical procedures.
Benefits of a blood test
If proven up in further research, PromarkerEndo blood test could offer several advantages, including:
- Non-Invasive: Unlike laparoscopy, which requires surgery, the blood test is non-invasive and can be done with a simple blood draw.
- Cost-Effective: The blood test will almost certainly be more cost-effective for both patients and the healthcare system compared to the costs and delays at the moment.
- Early Detection: The test can detect endometriosis at an early stage, which will enormously benefit women and hopefully reduce needless pain and internal scarring.
- Accuracy: The test – so far – shows good results in distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with early stages of endometriosis.
The non-invasive nature of the blood test means that it can be easily administered, say in general practice, reducing the need for more invasive and expensive diagnostic procedures. Early detection is particularly important because it can help prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the impact on fertility.
When will the blood test be available?
While the PromarkerEndo test shows promise, it is still in the process of being validated for clinical use. The exact timeline for when the test will be available to the public, its costs and whether it will be reimbursed, is not yet clear, but the publication of these results marks a significant step towards making this test accessible to women worldwide.
The process of validating a new diagnostic test involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure its accuracy and reliability. This includes conducting large-scale clinical trials to confirm that the test can accurately diagnose endometriosis in diverse populations of women. Once these trials are completed, the test will then need to be approved as safe and accurate by regulatory authorities.
The bottom line
The development of this blood test is potentially a major advance in the diagnosis of endometriosis. By providing a non-invasive, cost-effective, and accurate method for early detection, this test has the potential to significantly reduce the time it takes for women to receive a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment. As researchers continue to validate and refine the test, there is hope that it will soon become a tool to improve the lives of those affected by endometriosis.
With a blood test, women may no longer have to endure years of pain and uncertainty before receiving a diagnosis. This development offers hope for a future where endometriosis can be detected and treated more effectively, reducing the burden of this chronic condition on women and healthcare systems worldwide.
