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'Low Awareness of Shortcomings of Mammograms, Strong Desire for Blood Testing' Shown By New Power3 Medical-Driven Survey on Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 09:00 CST

A new Internet-based survey focusing on breast cancer awareness and detection technology has shown a strong desire for blood-based early-detection testing and a low awareness of the limitations of mammography.

The survey asked three questions:

-- "Were you aware that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. have - or will develop - breast cancer in their lifetimes?" 47.3% of the more than 250 respondents said they were "very aware" of this fact, with an additional 40.6% saying they were "somewhat aware." Only 12% said they "were not aware at all";

-- "Were you aware that mammograms show indications of breast cancer only after the cancer has existed for 6-10 years?" 8.9% said they were "very aware," 13.8% said they were "somewhat aware," and 77.3% said they were "not aware at all";

-- If you could take a blood test for early and accurate detection of breast cancer, how likely would you be to choose this method rather than a mammogram?" 94.8% said "very likely," 3.9% answered "very likely," and 1.3% responded, "not likely at all."

The survey was conducted by and on www.woodlandsonline.com, a 10-year-old portal that lets residents of The Woodlands in suburban Houston quickly and easily find and share information. The survey was suggested by Power3 Medical Products, Inc., a leading proteomics company focused on developing and commercializing early detection diagnostic tests for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The breast cancer awareness and detection survey has been moved and is continuing on the Power3 Web site (www.power3medical.com/default.aspx). Power3 also plans to continue to conduct the survey through affiliated hospital research centers.

'Mammography Not Final Solution in Saving Lives'

"For years, mammography was thought to be the final solution to saving lives, but still many women with breast cancer initially detected by mammograms ultimately die of the disease, said Dr. Alan Hollingsworth, a nationally-known breast cancer specialist at Mercy Woman's Center in Oklahoma City, and a member of Power3's Scientific Advisory Board.

"Mammograms show only tumors that have existed for years and which have grown to an average of 1 centimeter," said Dr. Hollingsworth. "MRIs detect more than twice as many tumors as mammography, in that they can recognize smaller growths of only 5 millimeters, which is actually one-eighth the volume of a 1 centimeter tumor. However, MRIs cost many times more than mammography, and thus do not present a practical fiscal answer as a general screening test for women.

Dr. Hollingsworth said that studies have shown mammography to be about 55% to 70% sensitive to the recognition of these 1 centimeter breast cancers, while MRI is about 90% to 95% sensitive.

As the principal investigator of a clinical validation study by Power3 at Mercy Woman's Center, Dr. Hollingsworth said that early indications showed blood serum testing had an 80-90% sensitivity and also may provide the potential to detect breast cancers that mammography misses.

Dr. Hollingsworth also said that a screening blood test could function independently of breast density, which is the primary reason cancer is often missed with mammography.

"If the blood test indicates cancer, even with a negative X-ray, the patient could go on to screening ultrasound or MRI," he said. "The healthcare industry cannot come close to accommodating the entire adult female population with these expensive screening modalities, so we desperately need a blood test to efficiently utilize the technology that we have in place, closing the gap left by mammography alone."

"Power3 is optimistic about the cutting-edge technology in our blood serum biomarkers and the more sensitive breast cancer detection test developed in collaboration with Dr. Hollingsworth," said Dr. Ira L. Goldknopf, Ph.D., Power3's chief scientific officer, who will present findings of the validation study to the OncoProteomics World Congress in San Francisco next month.

About Power3 Medical Products

Power3 Medical Products, Inc. (PWRM.PK, www.Power3Medical.com), is a leading proteomics company engaged in the discovery of protein footprints, pathways, and mechanisms of diseases. Power3's patent-pending technologies are being used to develop screening and diagnostic tests for the early detection and treatment of disease, and its identified protein biomarkers, drug targets, and diagnostic tests are targeted toward markets with critical unmet needs in areas such as breast cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Power3 operates a state-of-the-art proteomics laboratory in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With the exception of historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release involve risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

Source: Business Wire

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