Development of a Voided Urine Assay for Detecting Prostate Cancer Noninvasively
Scientists at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a noninvasive technique to detect the presence of prostate cancer cells in patients' urine. The pilot study, led by Mathew L. Thakur, PhD, Director, Laboratories of Radiopharmaceutical Research and Molecular Imaging and Professor of Radiology and Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, was published by Trabulsi et al in BJU International.
Study Findings
The research demonstrates that a test using voided urine can target VPAC receptors, which are commonly expressed on malignant prostate cancer cells. Using optical imaging technology to detect prostate cancer cells shed in voided urine, the research team identified VPAC-positive cells in 98.6% of the patients with a prostate cancer diagnosis and none (0%) of the patients presenting with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
“The two most important virtues of this technology are its accuracy and simplicity,” said Dr. Thakur.
Currently, the only methods for diagnosing prostate cancer involve more invasive, costly, yet less reliable procedures, including digital rectal examination, biopsy, or urine analysis that requires direct prostate stimulation. “We believe that a diagnostic test that is simple and more comfortable for the patient will encourage more frequent screening and help improve early diagnosis of prostate cancer,” added Dr. Thakur.
Looking Ahead
The technology is patent-pending and has been licensed to NuView Dx, in Park City, Utah.
“We are excited about this technology, which promises to avoid millions of unnecessary biopsies, save patient morbidity, and spare millions of health-care dollars,” said Paul Crowe, Chief Executive Officer of NuView Dx.
Research team member Leonard Gomella, MD, Chair, Department of Urology at Thomas Jefferson University at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, concluded, “This is a highly promising biofluid assay that, once fully developed, may play an important role in the management of prostate cancer.”
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.
