New Technique Developed to Detect Breast Cancer in Urine

A researcher at Missouri University of Science and Technology has developed a new technique to detect breast cancer from urine samples.

The researcher developed a new screening technique that is based on urinalysis in order to diagnose breast cancer and its severity.

This technique's effectiveness will be confirmed by a study that is underway at Mercy Breast Center in Springfield. This technique was developed by Dr. Yinfa Ma, Curators' teaching professor of chemistry at Missouri S&T.

Ma uses a device known as P-scan in order to detect the concentration of pteredines (metabolites) in the samples of urine. Pteredines are present in urine of all humans and the abnormally high concentration of biomarkers signals the presence of cancer. The researcher believes that as the cancer advances the levels of pteredines continue to rise.

In a limited test conducted by Ma, positive results were received  and he is expanding the test in a larger study group.This is a part of the process required by the FDA to eventually make the P-Scan available in clinics.

The study is based on 300 breast cancer victims and a control group of 100 who had no history of cancer. The researcher hopes to conclude the study within a year.

"When we heard about this study, we were excited to be a partner," Dr. Roger Holden, Mercy hematologist and oncologist said in a press statement. "We know early detection is the key to beating cancer, and if we can detect it in the very earliest stages, before we can see it, there is such a potential for successful treatment and even new treatments."

This study may not offer much benefit to patients who are currently suffering from breast cancer but will be of great help in future as this helps in detecting cancer in the early stages.