Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd. announced it has successfully completed its validation study with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR Berghofer) targeting oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of oesophageal cancer in Australia. Proteomics International and QIMR Berghofer are collaborating on the development of a simple blood test for oesophageal adenocarcinoma, using a panel of biomarkers - protein `fingerprints' in the blood - initially identified by QIMR Berghofer researchers. The analysis sought to demonstrate the robustness of the biomarkers across laboratories through a series of analytical and clinical validation experiments, building upon Proteomics International's experience acquired in developing the PromarkerD assay, the world's first test for predicting diabetic kidney disease.

Proteomics International managing director Dr Richard Lipscombe said the research studied multiple proteins in the blood associated with early-stage oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The results of the study will be presented at the 27th Lorne Proteomics Symposium, Victoria, the annual conference of the Australasian Proteomics Society. The results showed several protein biomarkers (N=5-7) were statistically significant in identifying oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

The study focused on Barrett's oesophagus, a pre-malignant condition that is a major risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett's oesophagus affects about 2% of the population 1 and occurs when the oesophagus is damaged by acid reflux 2. These patients are currently screened using invasive and costly endoscopy procedures. Proteomics International and QIMR Berghofer will now finalise arrangements for the future development of the biomarkers into a diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer.