PromarkerEso Blood Test: Detecting Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Early - A Story of Treating Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) Early.
- Noel Ong
- Sep 24
- 5 min read
Announcement
Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX: PIQ) has unveiled new results for its PromarkerEso blood test, a patented, first-in-class diagnostic that delivers a simple and scalable pathway for early detection. With clinical validation showing high accuracy in identifying early-stage EAC, PromarkerEso may well change the standard of care in managing this difficult disease. With patents already granted in Europe, China, and Australia—and other territories pending—PromarkerEso is well positioned as a global solution to one of healthcare’s pressing diagnostic challenges.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose early, with survival outcomes often dictated by how late the disease is detected. Current surveillance methods rely heavily on invasive and costly procedures like endoscopy, yet most cases still go unnoticed until advanced stages (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Currently, diagnosis relies on endoscopy with biopsy — an invasive and expensive procedure. (source: PIQ)
Key Highlights Treating Esophageal adenocarcinoma
Promarker®Eso is the first-in-class blood test clinically validated to diagnose esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the predominant form of esophageal cancer.
New results confirm high accuracy in detecting early stages (I and II) of EAC, a cancer with a median survival time of less than one year if detected late.
Study results from 350 participants were published in Diseases of the Esophagus and selected for oral presentation at the 21st ISDE World Congress for Esophageal Diseases, Brisbane, 18–20 September 2025.
Global health impact: 90% of EAC cases currently go undetected — PromarkerEso could offer a much-needed, patient-friendly screening pathway.
Strong statistical performance: Area under the curve (AUC) ≥ 0.97, with sensitivity ranging from 81% (Stage I) to 100% (Stage III & IV).
Context and Significance
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is often caused by chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects an estimated 10–20% of Western populations (Figure 2). In Australia, 11% of GP clinic visits are linked to gastric reflux.
The challenge with EAC is that it is typically diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are poor — fewer than 20% survive beyond five years. Existing surveillance methods rely on specialist endoscopy, a costly and invasive procedure (US$2,750 per case in the US), yet up to 90% of cases are still missed.
Figure 2: Target Population for Eso (source: PIQ)'
Study Results
The clinical study included two independent cohorts of 350 people:
Cohort A compared 89 healthy controls with staged EAC patients.
Cohort B included negative controls, unstaged EAC cases, and Barrett’s Esophagus samples.
Key outcomes:
Outstanding diagnostic accuracy with AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) ≥ 0.97.
Sensitivity: Stage I (81%), Stage II (91%), Stage III (100%), Stage IV (100%).
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (BE-HGD) sensitivity at 93%.
Test scores showed a strong correlation with disease severity (p < 0.0001).
Commercial and Clinical Potential
PromarkerEso combines four serum glycoproteins with patient clinical factors (age, sex, BMI) to deliver a simple ‘traffic light’ risk score (low, moderate, or high risk) (Figure 3). Patients flagged as high risk are recommended for endoscopy.
With patents granted in Europe, China, and Australia, PromarkerEso represents not only a global health solution but also a significant commercial opportunity in precision diagnostics.
Figure 3: PromarkerEso traffic light risk model(source: PIQ).
Proteomics International Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe commented:
“ These new results have enormous significance, because if EAC can be detected early it can be more readily treated, whereas late-stage EAC has a very poor prognosis. With the increasing numbers of people living with chronic acid reflux, PromarkerEso has the potential to revolutionise how doctors manage the risk of esophageal cancer - offering a standard blood test that could reduce reliance on invasive procedures and improve early detection rates.”
About Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (PILL).
Proteomics International, based in Perth, is a leader in precision diagnostics specialising in proteomics — the large-scale study of proteins. Its patented Promarker® suite, including PromarkerD and PromarkerEso, targets major unmet medical needs with global commercial potential.
Samso Concluding Comments
This is a classic case of innovation meeting an unmet need. The reality with esophageal adenocarcinoma is harsh — most cases are caught too late, and survival outcomes remain dismal. What Proteomics International (ASX: PIQ) has shown here with PromarkerEso is that early detection is possible, accurate, and scalable.
For investors, the key takeaway is that this diagnostic has been clinically validated, published, and accepted for presentation at a major global congress. That progression speaks about both the scientific credibility and the commercial pathway.
At Samso, we always say it is about separating the signal from the noise. Here, the signal is clear: if this test can shift diagnosis earlier, it directly translates into lives saved and healthcare systems relieved of costly late-stage treatments.
#SamsoNews – Do your own research, follow the data, and look at how developments like this fit into the broader healthcare and investment landscape.
The Samso Way – Seek the Research
We separate signal from noise. The real story sits in the data, the rocks, and the plan—never just the headline. Do your own work and test every claim.
Our mission is simple: cut through the noise and spotlight what matters—genuine stories, grounded insights, and real opportunity.
Our content is well-researched and is only created if the team sees merit in discussing the company or concept. Investors can explore our three core platforms:
There may be numerous paths to success in investing, but the common thread among successful individuals is that they remain committed to making informed decisions. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools, and you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals.
Most importantly, investors need to be absolutely diligent in understanding their own risk-reward tolerance and capabilities. Never bite off more than you can chew. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the Great Wall stood because it took centuries to complete.
The Samso Philosophy:
Stay curious. Stay sharp. And remember—digging deeper always uncovers the real value.
In Life, there is no such thing as a Free Lunch.
Happy Investing, and the only four-letter word you need to know is DYOR.
To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018.
Disclaimer
The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints.
Share to Grow: Your Bonus
Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio
A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook.
If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and has a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au.
Samso is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.
Comments