A urine test for DNA pieces bearing 10 key mutations can indicate early inklings of bladder cancer, according to a report at the European Association of Urology meeting in Milan last month. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The technique is called urinary comprehensive genomic profiling (uCGP). It copies telltale DNA sequences in urine, using a tool called "UroAmp," developed at Convergent Genomics. Like other cancers tests, it is being pioneered on people who already have the cancer to detect recurrence or response to treatment. If validated on many patients, the test might then be used for screening – that is, as part of the initial diagnostic process.
To continue reading, go to DNA Science, where this post first appeared.