A partnership between Quest Diagnostics and Envision Sciences has introduced a new prostate cancer biomarker test.

Launched through Quest's subspecialty pathology business AmeriPath, the tissue-based test service is designed to meet the critical clinical requirement for identifying and distinguishing potentially aggressive prostate cancer cases in men.

Quest created and validated the laboratory test through an intellectual property licence agreement with Envision.

This agreement enabled Quest to utilise Envision's biomarker and immunohistochemistry technology, including staining technology and new biomarkers EV1, EV2 and EV3.

Recent pathology data demonstrated that when assessed with a panel based on three Envision biomarkers and technology, 22% of examined tissue specimens were upgraded while 20% were downgraded against the conventional assessment based on haematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue alone.

Envision CEO Peter Pursey said: “Our patented technology provides a novel approach to visualising prostate cancer tissue and improving accuracy in grading cancer by pathologists.

“We expect the test to enhance current prostate cancer histology practice and improve the information available to clinicians, enabling them to better align cancer grades with treatment options.”

In May this year, Quest Diagnostics announced the availability of a new risk assessment and care plan service across the US, known as RestoreU Dementia Panel.

RestoreU leverages artificial intelligence to make tailor-made care plans that intend to help physicians improve patient care and comply with cognitive care guidelines.