Lung cancer breakthrough as early sign of disease could be detected with new urine test
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Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a groundbreaking urine test that could detect early signs of lung cancer - potentially revolutionising how the disease is diagnosed.
The innovative test identifies proteins from "zombie" cells, which could indicate the presence of lung cancer in its earliest stages.
Successfully tested on mice, this pioneering development offers hope for earlier detection of a disease that is typically diagnosed in its later stages.
The test works by detecting senescent cells - known as "zombie" cells because while they remain alive in the body and cannot grow or divide.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a groundbreaking urine test that could detect early signs of lung cancer - potentially revolutionising how the disease is diagnosed
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These cells are known to cause tissue damage and create conditions that help cancer cells develop, making their early detection crucial for potential treatment success.
The test utilises an injectable sensor that interacts specifically with proteins released by zombie cells in lung tissue.
When these proteins are present, they cut the probe into two pieces, with the smaller piece being released into urine through the kidneys.
Professor Ljiljana Fruk explained that while this smaller piece is initially too small to detect in urine, it becomes visible when a silver solution is added - similar to compounds used in early photography.
The colour change in urine after the probe injection can indicate the presence of cells that might signal early pathological changes leading to cancer.
Scientists behind the study, funded by Cancer Research UK, developed this approach as a cost-effective alternative to expensive scans.
Professor Fruk emphasised the urgent need for accessible early detection methods, stating: "We urgently need cost effective, easy to use and sensitive strategies for early detection of cancer."
The team is now looking to expand their research beyond lung cancer, with interests in breast, melanoma and pancreatic cancer detection.
"We have proven that urine detection works in mice," said Fruk. "We now need to move to more pre-clinical validation."
The researchers are working to develop a kit that can be easily used by hospital lab technicians worldwide.
The test could potentially detect cancer months or even years before symptoms appear, offering a significant breakthrough in early diagnosis.
Scientists are now preparing to assess the effectiveness of the test in human trials, following successful mouse studies.
Lung cancer remains the third most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 50,000 new diagnoses each year.
Cancer Research UK data shows that around 46 per cent of cases are diagnosed at later stages, highlighting the critical need for early detection methods.
The colour change in urine after the probe injection can indicate the presence of cells that might signal early pathological changes leading to cancer
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Dr Iain Foulkes, Cancer Research UK's executive director of research and innovation said: "Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of lung cancer progress for more than 50 years, with over half a million lives saved since the mid-1980s."
Patrick Kelly, CRUK spokesperson for the East of England, encouraged public support through the Smokefree UK campaign and donations to support breakthrough research.
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