Pharma To Date

Cleveland Diagnostics is reaffirming its commitment to prostate cancer awareness with the second iteration of its "A PSA on PSA" campaign, set to launch on September 1, 2024. This initiative aligns with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and aims to educate patients, their families, and caregivers about the critical importance of prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer remains the second most common and the second deadliest cancer among American men, with approximately 35,000 deaths reported annually.

IsoPSA Test: A Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Detection

At the heart of Cleveland Diagnostics' campaign is the IsoPSA test, a proprietary assay co-developed with the Cleveland Clinic. Unlike traditional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests that detect elevated levels of PSA, the IsoPSA test focuses on specific biomarkers within the PSA protein structure that are directly associated with cancer. This distinction allows the IsoPSA test to more accurately differentiate between prostate cancer and other conditions that can also elevate PSA levels, thus providing more precise diagnostic information.

Educational Campaign and Community Engagement

The "A PSA on PSA" campaign will feature a comprehensive fact sheet designed to provide essential information about PSA testing and the screening process. The fact sheet will detail statistics, common symptoms of prostate cancer, and preventive measures. It will also include a set of questions to guide patients in discussions with their healthcare providers regarding prostate cancer risk and screening options.

In addition to educational materials, the campaign will support prostate cancer research and patient advocacy through a charitable component. For each fact sheet downloaded from the campaign website, Cleveland Diagnostics will make a donation to ZERO Prostate Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing prostate cancer research and patient support. ZERO Prostate Cancer has committed to matching all donations received during September, amplifying the impact of the campaign.

Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening

Current screening guidelines recommend that men with average risk begin discussions about prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers at age 50. For those with increased risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer, discussions should start as early as age 40. Regular screening intervals depend on individual PSA levels, with those showing elevated levels advised to undergo annual testing, while others may continue biennial screenings if initial results are normal.

Advancements and Future Directions

Earlier this year, Cleveland Diagnostics secured $75 million in funding from Novo Holdings, which will support the expansion of the IsoPSA test's availability and its application to other cancer types. This investment underscores the company's dedication to advancing diagnostic technologies and improving cancer detection outcomes.

The "A PSA on PSA" campaign represents a vital step in enhancing awareness and education about prostate cancer, emphasizing the need for early detection and accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes.