Introduction of the p-tau217 blood test in Belgium: a major advance in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

Back
Jean-Louis Bayart1-4, Lise Colmant2,5, Emilien Boyer2, Lara Huyghe2, Lisa Quenon2,5, Thomas Gerard2,6, Pascal Kienlen-Campard2, Renaud Lhommel2,6, Adrian Ivaniou2,5, Jonathan Douxfils3, Bernard Hanseeuw2,5 Published in the journal : February 2025 Category : Neurology

Summary :

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein. Current biomarkers measured by imaging or in the cerebrospinal fluid have improved diagnosis, but these methods remain costly and/or invasive. Blood biomarkers, particularly p-tau217, are attracting increasing interest. A study conducted by IoNS (UCLouvain) validated the plasma p-tau217 assay in more than 200 patients, showing an average increase of 450% in patients with amyloidopathy, with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 94% to distinguish patients with amyloidopathy and tauopathy from those without. This test is reserved for patients with objective cognitive impairment and is not intended for mass screening, as there is currently no preventive treatment. It is essential to account for potential confounding factors (renal insufficiency, stroke, recent head trauma). Finally, p-tau217 could help identify patients eligible for new treatments in the pipeline for approval in the near future, such as lecanemab.

Keywords 

Alzheimer’s disease, biomarker, p-tau217, amyloidopathy, tauopathy