New Blood Test Diagnoses Neurodegenerative Conditions
Researchers from Power3 Medical are developing a new serum-based diagnostic tool that screens patients for the presence of neurodegenerative conditions, the NuroPro. The test is in development to examine utility for Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s Disease. News about the test is provided on the company’s website.
The NuroPro test evaluates the levels of several different proteins found in blood samples. It appears that the test can differentiate between ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. The test method assigns patients with a probability value that indicates whether or not patients have disease.
Existing data from the first two trials conducted with the NuroPro test indicate that the test is 86-99 percent accurate in identifying patients with neurodegenerative conditions, compared to those who are healthy. The test is 60-70 percent accurate in differentiating between the three different diseases cited.
Current diagnostic tools are limited, particularly for Alzheimer’s disease. Tests may suggest a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but definitive diagnosis can only be verified with autopsy.
There is some debate about the utility of diagnostic tests for these conditions which are not curable. However, mounting evidence indicates that early treatment may delay disease progression. Therefore, early diagnosis may be able to significantly improve overall quality of life for those patients afflicted with these degenerative conditions of the neurologic system.
An additional benefit of diagnostic tools is that they may provide insights for new therapeutic approaches. Researchers can more specifically target therapies with additional information.
January 31, 2008 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Diagnostic, Psychiatry & Neurology