Bladder cancer: A test may be able to predict the onset of symptoms years before they occur

Researchers discovered that a new urine test could help detect 10 genes that could be used to predict bladder cancer.

A study showed that gene mutations can be detected in urine samples. This could be used to predict bladder cancer for up to 12 years. The results of the study were presented at the European Association of Urology's annual Congress. Although further research is required, authors suggest that their test could be used to help stratify risk for patients who present with blood in their urine.

B ladder cancer is a common form of cancer that affects about 1 in 28 men, and 1 in 91 ladies during their lifetime. Bladder cancer survival rates will be higher if the cancer is contained to the bladder and has not spread beyond that area. Effective treatment requires prompt diagnosis and early detection.

Although anyone can get bladder cancer, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of someone developing it. Some factors can be modified, such as quitting smoking and increasing fluid intake. People cannot change certain gene mutations or family history. Researchers are still trying to determine the full extent of gene mutations that contribute to bladder cancer risk.

Non-study author Dr. Jennifer Linehan is a urologist and associate professor in urology and oncology at Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica. She shared the following insights about bladder cancer with Medical News Today:

Bladder cancer, as with many other cancers, can have a low-grade and a high-grade version. This can dramatically alter the outcome and treatment for patients. Low and high-grade bladder cancer have a high recurrence rate. In some cases, this can reach as high as 60%. If the cancer is muscle-invasive, it drastically alters treatment options. This could include chemo and radiation, or radical cystectomy and bladder diversion.

This study used urine samples to identify specific gene mutations. The UroAmp test can detect mutations in 60 genes. They then looked at a subset ten genes they believed would be most helpful in predicting bladder carcinoma.

"Study authors took urine samples from patients suffering from bladder cancer and controls (e. g. Genomic profiling was performed on patients with bladder cancer and controls (e. g. They examined 60 genes for mutations and ultimately found the 10 most predictive genes. They may be able to do the test quicker and cheaper if they have a smaller sample. They tested their panel of genes against other samples and found that they might be able detect cancer patients. They may also be able to identify patients with worse outcomes.

Researchers eventually looked at 29 people in the data collection who had bladder cancer. Modified UroAmp tests accurately predicted bladder cancer development in 66% of participants, up to twelve years before clinical diagnosis. It also predicted bladder cancer in 86% participants up to seven year before clinical diagnosis.

"This study is important if it can identify more targeted mutations within urine and provide more thorough testing which can aid with bladder cancer identification."The current urine tests we use only test for a small number of genetic mutations. By adding more targets, we could potentially identify more cancers sooner, which would save patients from having to undergo invasive treatment.

The study had some limitations. The study only had a small number of participants. Further research could include more participants to provide a wider range of data. Without further research, this test may not be feasible in clinical practice.

"Lots more research is needed before routine practice can be made. These tools must be validated on a larger number of patients. We will need to see how the tool performs with patients of different ages, ethnicities, and stages of cancer. These tests will also add cost to the healthcare system. It may be difficult to get insurance coverage, especially if patients don't have a diagnosis for bladder cancer. Further cost-effectiveness will be required across the healthcare system.

Although more studies are needed, this study is an important genetic advance in understanding the development of bladder cancer. Amazingly, mutations that have been acquired throughout life and which give rise to cancer can be detected in urine years before a clinical diagnosis. This gives you a chance to catch high-risk patients earlier and to intervene if possible, so that cancers can be treated.