Prostate-Specific EpiSwitch (PSE) Test

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed on: July 20th 2025 Dr Aqua Asif
Author: Neil Patel

What is the PSE Test and Could it Improve Prostate Cancer Detection?

At a Glance

The Prostate-Specific EpiSwitch (PSE) test is a blood test that analyses epigenetic markers — how your genes behave — to assess prostate cancer risk. Unlike PSA testing, which measures protein levels and can be affected by infections or activity, the PSE test examines more stable genetic patterns. It is available privately through The Focal Therapy Clinic, though it is not yet part of standard NHS screening or endorsed by NICE.

Key takeaways:

Epigenetic blood test – analyses genetic behaviour patterns rather than PSA protein levels, offering a different approach to prostate cancer risk assessment
Reported accuracy figures – 6% sensitivity (detects cancer when present), 97% specificity (correctly rules out cancer), and 93% positive predictive value (Pchejetski et al., 2023)
Complementary, not replacement – designed to work alongside PSA and MRI, not replace them; may help reduce unnecessary biopsies<
Not yet NICE-endorsed – available privately through The Focal Therapy Clinic; more research needed before NHS adoption
If results suggest risk – next steps typically include MRI scanning or targeted biopsy,

What is the PSE test ?

The Prostate-Specific EpiSwitch (PSE) test is a blood test that analyses epigenetic markers — how certain genes behave — to assess prostate cancer risk. Unlike a PSA test which measures protein levels that can fluctuate with infections, activity, or benign prostate conditions, the PSE test examines more stable genetic patterns that may help identify clinically significant cancer.

Developed by Oxford BioDynamics, the EpiSwitch PSE test has been assessed in studies involving men with suspected prostate cancer (Pchejetski et al., Cancers 2023). When used alongside PSA results or  MRI scans , it aims to add diagnostic clarity and could help reduce unnecessary biopsies.

The PSE test is not currently recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) or included in standard NHS prostate cancer screening. It is available privately through The Focal Therapy Clinic, with more research needed before it can be considered part of routine care.

How is the PSE test performed?

The PSE test requires only a standard blood draw — the same as any routine blood test. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, the process is straightforward and typically completed during a single consultation, with results available within a few weeks.

The process involves four steps:

Consent and consultation – a specialist explains the test and obtains consent, since the test analyses your genetic information
Blood sample – a standard blood draw, identical to a routine blood test
Laboratory analysis – your sample is sent to a certified laboratory where it is analysed for epigenetic markers linked to prostate cancer
Results review – our clinician reviews PSE results alongside your PSA findings and any MRI scans to provide a comprehensive picture

How accurate is the PSE test?

Research suggests the PSE test may offer improved accuracy when used alongside PSA testing, potentially helping to avoid some unnecessary procedures. Studies have reported that the test can detect prostate cancer in most men who have it, whilst also reducing false positives in those who don’t.

However, it’s important to understand that the evidence supporting these claims comes from relatively small studies. The main research was conducted after the participants’ cancer status was already known, which is different from real-world screening situations. Larger studies with more diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings.

The reported accuracy figures include:

• Sensitivity (detecting cancer when present): 86%
• Specificity (correctly identifying when cancer is absent): 97%
• Positive predictive value: 93%

Comparison with PSA and other tests

PSA tests has been used for decades, but elevated PSA levels can be caused by infections, physical activity, or benign prostate enlargement — not just cancer. This means PSA alone has a relatively high false-positive rate, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety, MRI scans and biopsies.

The PSE test analyses epigenetic markers that appear more stable than PSA protein levels, which is why its reported specificity (97%) is substantially higher than PSA testing alone. When used alongside PSA, the combination may give clinicians a clearer picture of whether a biopsy is warranted.

At The Focal Therapy Clinic, our consultant urological surgeons can advise on whether a PSE test alongside your existing PSA results and MRI findings  would add value to your diagnostic pathway.

Limitations and considerations

While the PSE test shows promise, it’s not yet offered as standard care across the NHS. Right now, it’s mainly available through private providers like The Focal Therapy Clinic. This means some patients may need to cover the cost themselves.

However, it’s competitively priced and includes full support from expert clinicians. Remember that the test is based on relatively small studies that need to be confirmed in larger, more diverse populations before it can be considered reliable for widespread use. Leading prostate cancer charities, including Prostate Cancer UK, have noted that more research is needed to establish whether the test can correctly identify men with prostate cancer when their diagnosis is unknown.

What happens if my PSE test result suggests cancer risk?

A result suggesting increased cancer risk doesn’t confirm cancer, but it does indicate that further investigation may be warranted. Your doctor may recommend a prostate MRI or biopsy to investigate the findings more closely. These next steps help clarify what’s happening and whether treatment might be necessary.

If cancer is confirmed through these additional tests, your care team will walk you through all available options. These may include active surveillance, radiotherapy, surgery, or focal therapy, depending on the location and severity of any cancer found.

Next steps in diagnosis

Once your PSE result suggests increased risk, you’ll follow a planned diagnostic pathway. This may involve additional PSA testing, an MRI, or a targeted biopsy to confirm what’s happening. These steps aim to get the most accurate picture whilst minimising unnecessary procedures.

Your clinical team will explain everything before it happens, so you feel informed and in control. Most men find this structured, step-by-step process manageable when they understand what to expect.

How results inform focal therapy

If the PSE test and subsequent investigations identify cancer localised to specific areas of the prostate, this information may help doctors determine if focal therapy could be appropriate. This approach aims to treat only the affected regions whilst preserving healthy prostate tissue.

At The Focal Therapy Clinic, treatments like HIFU and NanoKnife are used for this kind of targeted care when suitable. These procedures are guided by advanced MRI fusion technology, aiming for precision whilst minimising side effects. Our expert clinicians carefully assess each case to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

FAQs

What is a PSE test?

The PSE test is a blood test that aims to assess prostate cancer risk by analysing genetic markers in your DNA. It’s designed to provide additional information when used alongside other tests like PSA. However, it’s important to understand that this test is still being researched and is not currently part of standard NHS care.

Does the PSE test replace PSA or MRI?

No the PSE test does not replace PSA or MRI but is intended to work alongside them. The research suggests combining PSE with PSA may improve diagnostic accuracy (97% specificity vs ~30-40% for PSA alone), but more studies are needed to confirm this in routine clinical practice.

Are there risks or side effects?

There are no physical side effects from the test itself, as it simply requires a standard blood sample. However, there may be psychological implications if results are unclear or concerning, and the test’s limitations mean results should be interpreted carefully by experienced clinicians.

How soon are results available?

Results are usually ready within about a few weeks of your test. Once available, your doctor will explain what they mean and guide you through any recommended next steps. It’s important to discuss results with a healthcare professional rather than trying to interpret them yourself.

Is the test affected by recent infections or activity?

Unlike PSA, the PSE test appears to be less affected by factors like recent physical activity, infections, or other temporary conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand all factors that might influence the results.

What does a negative PSE test mean?

A result suggesting low cancer risk may indicate you’re unlikely to have clinically significant prostate cancer at the time of testing. However, given the limited research evidence, this should not replace regular monitoring and discussions with your healthcare team about appropriate follow-up care.

References

Pchejetski, Dmitri et al. “Circulating Chromosome Conformation Signatures Significantly Enhance PSA Positive Predicting Value and Overall Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Detection.” Cancers, vol. 15, no. 3, 2023, p. 821.
Cambridge Clinical Laboratories. “EpiSwitch PSE.” Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, 2025, www.camclinlabs.co.uk/episwitch-pse.
Oxford BioDynamics. “EpiSwitch Platform.” Oxford BioDynamics PLC, 2025, www.oxfordbiodynamics.com/episwitch-platform.Prostate Cancer UK. “Can This New Blood Test Diagnose Prostate Cancer with 94% Accuracy?” Prostate Cancer UK, 15 Feb. 2023, prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2023/02/can-this-new-blood-test-diagnose-prostate-cancer-with-94-accuracy.

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