Researchers have found a gene fusion that is highly expressed in certain prostate cancers, a discovery that may lead to a better diagnostic test.

The gene fusion known as SLC45A3-ELK4 is detectable at high levels in the urine of some men at risk for prostate cancer, according to scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York.

They hope the discovery will allow men to be tested for the disease through a simple urine test, given that the currently used PSA test is inadequate because it detects both cancer and many benign conditions.

“Our work has a long-term goal of achieving a test that distinguishes clinically significant prostate cancer from indolent disease that does not require additional treatment,” says Dr. Mark A. Rubin, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and vice chair for experimental pathology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

“With better diagnosis, we will be able to treat cancer patients with individualized therapies,” he adds.

As the search continues for a better test and cure for prostate cancer, recent studies have suggested that vegetable-rich diet may reduce the risk of the disease because vegetables abound in antioxidants, which protect cells against DNA damage.

Consumers who are concerned that their daily diets do not offer sufficient antioxidant intake may turn to nutritional supplements to make up for the deficit.