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

Download Mobile App




Urine Tests Could Reveal Early Signs of Cancer and Other Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Oct 2024

Early detection is essential for effectively treating diseases such as cancer, yet not everyone has convenient access to screening tools. More...

For issues affecting the genitourinary (GU) tract, which includes the kidneys, prostate, and bladder, healthcare providers typically employ a combination of screening methods, including blood tests, imaging, and physical examinations. Researchers are now developing an even simpler tool for early disease screening—urine analysis.

A new study by a team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA; Arlington, TX, USA), has shown that analyzing RNA (a type of genetic material) and other substances present in urine can indicate changes in cell types, potentially revealing early signs of cancer and other diseases. This approach could assist clinicians in identifying issues earlier when they are more easily treatable without requiring invasive procedures. In the study, the researchers collected urine samples from two groups: healthy individuals and those with kidney stones. They extracted two types of RNA from the urine—cell-free RNA, which is suspended freely in the urine, and sediment RNA, derived from solid particles. The RNA types were sequenced and analyzed, comparing samples from healthy individuals with those from patients who had kidney stones.

The findings of the study were published in Clinical Chemistry, a journal of the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM), revealing that advanced urine analyses could identify cellular patterns that indicate the presence of disease. The next phase of the research focuses on employing advanced machine learning techniques to further refine the differences detectable when comparing the RNA and protein signatures of healthy individuals to those diagnosed with diseases. The researchers aim to identify additional biomarkers that could facilitate the development of simpler, less invasive diagnostic methods in the future.

“We’re excited about this new research as it may lead to new, easier screening tools that can help detect diseases of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate,” said Joseph Buonomo, assistant professor of chemistry at UTA and an author of the study. “Although our patient cohort was small, it lays the groundwork for development of a type of ‘non-invasive liquid biopsy’ that will be used to track the progression of ailments like kidney stones, diabetes, and cancer using urine instead of surgical specimens.” 

Related Links:
University of Texas at Arlington


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
New
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
New
Blood Glucose Test Strip
AutoSense Test
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








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Prof. Nicholas Schwab has found a biomarker that can predict treatment outcome of glatirameracetate in MS patients (Photo courtesy of Uni MS - M. Ibrahim)

Simple Genetic Testing Could Predict Treatment Success in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients starting therapy often face a choice between interferon beta and glatiramer acetate, two equally established and well-tolerated first-line treatments. Until now, the decision... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: New diagnostics could predict a woman’s risk of a common sexually transmitted infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Markers Could Predict Risk of Severe Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and other reproductive complications when it spreads to the upper genital tract.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.