Stanford Medicine researchers and collaborators developed an RNA-based urine test that could improve bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prediction of therapy response.
The test, known as uRARE-seq, analyzes RNA shed by bladder tumor cells into urine.
In a study involving more than 680 urine samples, the test correctly identified 95% of bladder cancer cases and outperformed existing urine-based diagnostic methods.
Unlike many liquid biopsy approaches that search for cancer-associated DNA mutations, uRARE-seq evaluates RNA to identify which genes tumor cells are actively using.
Researchers said that additional information can provide insight into both the presence and biological behavior of a tumor.
The technology could also help doctors determine whether cancer remains after treatment and predict whether patients are likely to respond to immunotherapy or chemotherapy.
Researchers said this could be particularly useful for directing use of BCG immunotherapy, which has faced ongoing supply shortages.
Approximately 85,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with bladder cancer annually.
Current diagnosis and monitoring frequently depend on cystoscopy, an invasive procedure in which an endoscope is inserted into the bladder.
The researchers noted that cystoscopy can miss up to 30% of bladder cancer cases.
The research was published in Nature Medicine.
KEY QUOTES:
“Measuring tumor DNA in urine can tell us whether a cancer is present. Analyzing RNA can tell us not only whether a cancer is present but also what it’s doing.”
Maximilian Diehn, Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor and Professor of Radiation Oncology at Stanford Medicine
