We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Urine Test Rapidly Predicts Smokers' Lung Cancer Risk

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Apr 2009
Scientists have found that smokers with the highest urine levels of two tobacco metabolites have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. More...
This might explain why some smokers get lung cancer while others do not.

Smokers with the highest urine levels of the tobacco metabolite called 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) had a two-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer than those with the lowest levels. When a second metabolite called cotinine was included in the analysis, the investigators found that those smokers with the highest levels of both NNAL and cotinine in their urine were 8.5 times more likely to develop the disease.

The study was conducted by Dr. Jian-Min Yuan, associate professor of public health at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN, USA) and colleagues. Professor Yuan said although we know that smoking leads to lung cancer, there are over 60 potential cancer causing chemicals in tobacco smoke, and "the more accurately we can identify the culprit, the better we will become at predicting risk." He added, "If we can identify a smoker with a high level of metabolites, and down the road they have a higher risk of lung cancer, public health workers can get them motivated to quit smoking."

Prof. Yuan said that a standard urine metabolite test for smokers would probably cost $100 to $120 and take a few years to develop.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland) lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 1.2 million new cases annually. It is also the biggest cause of death by cancer, responsible for 17.8 % of all cancer deaths.

The study was presented at the 100th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, which took place from April 18-22, 2009 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver (CO, USA).

Related Links:

University of Minnesota
World Health Organization



Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Drug Test Kit
DrugCheck 3000
New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.