According to the World Health Organisation, long-term projections show that by 2030, there would be a 1.8 fold increase in cancer incidence in the Arab world. Recent studies have revealed alarming facts about the increasing cases of cancer in the UAE, particularly among the younger population. Even though more data and studies are required to establish the exact causes and the specific types of cancer common among the UAE population, it is pertinent that we monitor our health and adjust lifestyles accordingly. One crucial component in taking such pre-emptive measures is the early detection of cancer symptoms in individuals.
A new and promising tool, the hPG80 blood test, is emerging as a game-changer in the UAE, offering a non-invasive and potentially more effective approach to detecting cancer at an early stage. With insights from leading medical experts, Connector’s latest health feature explores how the hPG80 test works, its benefits, limitations and what it means for patients at risk.
What Is The hPG80 Blood Test?
In the evolving landscape of cancer diagnostics, early detection remains a cornerstone in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates, and hPG80 is a blood test that offers just that.
According to Dr. Moustafa Al Daly, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Aster Hospital, Sharjah, “The hPG80 test is a promising diagnostic tool that can detect more than 16 different types of cancer. One of its key advantages is its ability to measure oncogenic hPG80, a biomarker expressed in tumour cells from various origins, making it useful for disease monitoring and potentially guiding therapy. Unlike traditional tumour markers that may only become elevated at later stages, hPG80 is linked to tumour burden and activity, offering valuable insights into disease progression”.
Dr. Anwar Alroubaie, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Zulekha Hospital in Dubai, says, “In this test, the H stands for Human, PG is the progastrin protein and 80 is the the size of this protein, which is 80 amino acids, in the test. This test looks at the blood biomarker progastrin, which is a prohormone usually matured in gastrin in the g-cells of the stomach. In a healthy person, the progastrin is not detectable in their peripheral blood. If we detect this biomarker outside the cell which is called extracellular detection, then this would signify that the patient has a high risk of developing cancer. We can use this test in other conditions too”.
Dr. Annu Susan George, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai explains, “The test has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy, with specificity of greater than 90%, for certain types of cancer like lung cancer and liver cancer”. The blood test can be done through a simple ELISA technique to measure hPG80 concentrations in plasma samples, providing insights into potential cancer activity within the body.
Advantages Of The hPG80 Test
Traditional cancer detection methods, such as imaging scans and biopsies, often identify cancer only after noticeable symptoms appear. The hPG80 test offers a potential advantage by detecting cancerous activity earlier. Dr. Annu Susan George from Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital notes that the three main advantages of this test is that it is simple, it is useful in detection of many cancer types and the test can also be used for therapy response monitoring and disease monitoring in follow-up cases.
Dr. Anwar Alroubaie from Zulekha Hospital adds, "With this test, It becomes easier to monitor and detect a relapse of the cancer. This is quite important for patients doing a follow-up after their cancer treatment”. Dr. Moustafa Al Daly from Aster Hospital says, “As a simple and safe blood test, it provides a less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods".
Another main advantage of this test is that many types of cancers are particularly sensitive to this test and the test can therefore diagnose their prevalence with increased specificity. Dr. Anwar Alroubaie from Zulekha Hospital explains, “If we look at the sensitivity in this test it is a wide ranging one. From the lower side we have the breast cancer sensitivity which can reach up to 72% and we found that in pancreatic cancer, it can reach up to 94%. This test is specifically done for the neuroendocrine tumour because the sensitivity here is very high, almost 97% and specificity can also reach up to 95%. In general, the overall cancer sensitivity to this test is almost 82%”.
To sum up, the main benefits of the hPG80 test include:
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Early Detection: Detecting cancer at an early stage is crucial for effective treatment. The hPG80 test has demonstrated the ability to identify hPG80 levels in patients across different cancer stages.
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Non-Invasive Procedure: As a blood-based test, it offers a less invasive alternative to traditional biopsy methods, making it more comfortable for patients.
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Broad Applicability And Higher Accuracy: The test has shown promise in detecting multiple cancer types with high degrees of specificity as the cancer cells are highly sensitive to this test.
Who Should Consider Taking The hPG80 Test?
While the hPG80 test is not yet a universal screening tool, it can be particularly beneficial for individuals at higher risk of cancer. Dr. Moustafa Al Daly from Aster Hospital emphasises, “The hPG80 test is particularly useful for individuals at high risk of cancer, including those with a family history of the disease, individuals with precancerous conditions, and cancer survivors who need long-term monitoring. It is also relevant for people exposed to carcinogens such as smoking, environmental toxins, or radiation”. For those in high-risk categories, periodic screening may help in the early detection of cancer, potentially leading to more successful treatment outcomes.
“Patients with a family history of cancer types, including breast, colon, ovary, neuroendocrine tumour, brain and other cancers, can do this test. This test is suitable for 16 types of cancer. This test can be done either before or after the cancer treatment or during the treatment cycle. However, this test is not recommended for pregnant women and people who are younger than 21 years old”, Dr. Anwar Alroubaie from Zulekha Hospital explains.
On the question of how often one should do this test, Dr. Mustafa Al Daly from Aster Hospital says, “The frequency of testing depends on individual risk factors. For high-risk individuals, periodic screening can be beneficial to detect cancer at its earliest stages. Cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment may also benefit from regular monitoring of hPG80 levels to assess disease progression and response to therapy. The decision on how often to take the test should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider”.
Other Considerations Before Taking The Test
The hPG80 test is gaining popularity in the UAE due to its efficacy in early cancer detection and monitoring, and also due to the simple procedures involved. The test is becoming increasingly accessible across medical labs in the UAE, according to the experts. Dr. Anwar Alroubaie from Zulekha Hospital notes that the test costs around Dhs 2,200.
Dr. Annu Susan George from Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital also cautions the reader to be well informed about the test, saying, “The test has not yet been approved by international bodies like FDA as a standard test for early cancer detection. Further larger prospective studies are needed before its reliability can be confirmed. You need to consider the test only after consulting your treating oncologist or healthcare provider”. Additionally, while the test can detect hPG80 levels associated with tumour activity, it should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. A positive result should be followed by further medical evaluation, including imaging scans and biopsies, for a definitive diagnosis.
The introduction of the hPG80 blood test indeed represents a promising step forward in cancer diagnostics. Its non-invasive nature, potential for early detection, and broad applicability make it a valuable tool in the fight against cancer. However, as experts emphasise, it should be used as part of a comprehensive diagnostic strategy rather than as a sole method of detection.
As research continues, healthcare professionals in the UAE remain optimistic about its potential impact on patient outcomes. Individuals interested in the test should consult with their doctors to determine if it aligns with their health needs and risk factors. In the ongoing battle against cancer, advancements like the hPG80 test serve as a beacon of hope, underscoring the importance of innovation in medical science.