A team of Australian researchers has developed a novel blood test that could revolutionise the diagnosis of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in nine Australian women and girls. The breakthrough, published in the esteemed medical journal Human Reproduction, is being hailed as a significant step towards providing women with a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of the disease.
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, causing severe pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. Globally, it affects approximately 190 million women and teenage girls. Despite its prevalence, the disease often goes undiagnosed for years, leaving patients to endure symptoms while the condition worsens.
Diagnosis Delays and the Need for Innovation
Currently, it takes an average of seven years for women to receive an official diagnosis of endometriosis. During this time, they face worsening symptoms, diminishing fertility, and increased disease progression. For many, the process involves invasive procedures like laparoscopies, which are expensive and time-consuming.
Professor Peter Rogers, Research Director at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Professor of Women’s Health Research at the University of Melbourne, described the development as a crucial breakthrough. He explained, “Currently, it takes on average seven years for a woman to receive a diagnosis, and during that time she is enduring significant life-impacting symptoms, her years of fertility are reducing, and the endometriosis is spreading.”
The new test, called PromarkerEndo, is a potential game-changer. Developed by Perth-based medical technology company Proteomics International, the blood test identifies ten protein biomarkers—or “fingerprints”—in the blood of women and girls with endometriosis. These biomarkers can distinguish healthy individuals from those in the early or advanced stages of the disease.
Dr Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, highlighted the importance of this innovation: “The blood test, called PromarkerEndo, could significantly reduce the cost and the amount of time typically spent on trying to solve the cause of symptoms suffered by women and girls over years, often from as early as when they start having periods.”
A Cost-Effective and Non-Invasive Solution
Endometriosis currently costs the Australian economy an estimated $9.7 billion annually, with the majority of this burden attributed to reduced productivity. The PromarkerEndo blood test offers a cost-effective alternative to existing diagnostic methods, which often include ultrasounds, MRIs, and laparoscopies.
“A blood test is more cost-effective for patients and the health system than the current use of ultrasounds, invasive laparoscopies, MRIs, and biopsies to diagnose endometriosis,” Dr Lipscombe explained. “Work is underway to fortify the robustness and reliability of the new test for clinical use.”
The development involved collaboration between Proteomics International, the Royal Women’s Hospital, and the University of Melbourne. Researchers analysed plasma samples from 805 participants across two independent groups, allowing them to fine-tune the test’s accuracy. Results published in Human Reproduction show that the PromarkerEndo test performs well in distinguishing symptomatic individuals with endometriosis from healthy individuals, including those in the early stages of the disease.
Implications for Women’s Health
Access to an accurate and non-invasive diagnostic tool like PromarkerEndo could transform how endometriosis is managed. Early diagnosis would allow for timely interventions, potentially improving treatment outcomes. While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, treatments aim to control symptoms and minimise disease progression.
Professor Rogers emphasised the importance of early diagnosis: “Detecting endometriosis at an early stage increases treatment options and may improve a patient’s response to laser ablation or the medical therapies currently used.”
The implications extend beyond individual health, as endometriosis is also more common among women undergoing fertility treatments, with a threefold increased incidence in this group. A reliable blood test could provide faster answers for women experiencing fertility issues, helping them explore treatment options sooner.
Looking Ahead
While the PromarkerEndo blood test represents a major advance, researchers are continuing to validate its robustness for clinical use. The ultimate goal is to make the test widely available, providing women and teenage girls with a faster and less invasive pathway to diagnosis.
“This breakthrough is an exciting advance in the diagnosis of this debilitating disease,” said Professor Rogers. “These results are a significant step towards solving the critical need for a non-invasive, accurate test that can diagnose endometriosis at an early stage as well as when it is more advanced.”
The PromarkerEndo test is poised to bring hope to millions of women affected by endometriosis in Australia and around the world, offering the prospect of earlier diagnosis, better treatment options, and improved quality of life.
