Urine Test Spots Over Nine in Ten Bladder Cancers
An at-home urine test that the NHS has been trialling can detect more than nine in ten cases of bladder cancer, according to a study published in European Urology Oncology. Led by the University of Birmingham and diagnostics company Nonacus, this research involved nearly 1,000 patients across seven hospitals in England and Scotland.
The test, known as Galeas urine test, identifies genetic material shed into urine by bladder cancer and was developed with funding from Cancer Research UK (CRUK). It analyses over 450 DNA mutations across 23 genes associated with bladder cancer. The study found that the test accurately identified 92% of bladder cancer cases, with a negative result carrying a more than 99% chance of no bladder cancer.
Researchers hope this advancement could reduce the number of patients needing urgent, invasive cystoscopies, which involve inserting a camera up the urethra into the bladder. While not a replacement for cystoscopies, it can help prioritize patients who are at higher risk and require urgent attention.
Prof Richard Bryan from Birmingham University expressed excitement about the test’s "very promising early performance" in a real-world patient population. The test has been commercialized by Nonacus, with part of the revenue returned to the University and CRUK.
Michelle Mitchell from CRUK emphasized the importance of faster and less invasive diagnosis methods, stating, "Too many people are waiting longer than they should for a bladder cancer diagnosis."
Bladder cancer is more prevalent in men over 60, with blood in urine being the main symptom. Early detection is crucial for saving lives.
