BARD1 has combined a biomarker and an algorithm that can detect 6 per cent more cases of ovarian cancer than simply by using the algorithm.

The company (ASX:BD1) developed an in-house diagnostic algorithm alongside a blood test. The results were beefed up when they added another test that uses protein cancer antigen 125.

The CA125 test is commercially available already to test the amount of that protein in the blood.

When used alongside BARD1’s blood test and algorithm, the company says it improves their original results by 6 per cent.

They did the test to measure the accuracy of the algorithm alone, CA125 alone, and the combined tests in 200 ovarian cancers and 200 healthy controls.

The combination had 88 per cent sensitivity compared to 82 per cent for the algorithm alone — that is it missed fewer positive ovarian cancer incidences.

BARD1 shares over the last year.

It also had a 93 per cent specificity compared to 79 per cent for the algorithm alone — that is it picked up fewer false positives.

A highly sensitive and specific test doesn’t miss the thing it’s looking for and doesn’t mistake other elements for the thing it’s looking for.

Professor Robert Zeillinger at the Medical University of Vienna Austria assessed the study and said the two tests combined had the potential to replace other early stage ovarian cancer tests.

It’s early days yet though.

BARD1 is transferring its current research to another platform, which will take nine months, and clinical studies — not trials since it won’t be tested on humans — will likely start next year.

BARD1 shares were up 13 per cent to 1.7c.

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