World-first urine test ‘detects lung cancer’
Scientists have created a first-of-its-kind urine test which they say catches lung cancer early, potentially improving outcomes for the millions of people who will go on to develop the disease.
Created by the University of Cambridge, England, the test identifies ‘zombie’ cell proteins in urine. These proteins can be markers of tissue changes that occur long before lung cancer becomes visible through scans or physical symptoms.
Researchers developed an injectable sensor that interacts with the ‘zombie’ cell proteins and releases an easily detectable compound into urine, signalling their presence.
Traditional techniques used for early cancer detection, such as CT scans, are expensive and often inaccessible, especially in lower-income regions. However, those behind the new urine test claim that it can be performed in any hospital lab without the need for high-end equipment.
“We urgently need affordable, simple methods to detect cancer early, particularly for high-risk groups,” said the university’s Prof Ljiljana Fruk. “This test could be a game-changer for detecting lung cancer, and we’re already exploring how it could be adapted for other cancers.”