Urine test shows 92% accuracy in detecting bladder cancer

A new urine test could significantly improve the detection of bladder cancer and help clinicians prioritize patients for urgent examinations. Research led by the University of Birmingham and Nonacus Ltd., conducted across seven NHS urology departments, suggests the GALEAS Bladder test can identify more than nine out of ten bladder cancer cases.

The test works by analyzing genetic material in urine samples, examining over 450 DNA mutations across 23 different genes. In a study of 964 patients, the test achieved a 92.2% detection rate. Notably, it successfully identified all 17 muscle-invasive bladder cancers and 35 of the 36 high-grade cancers found during the trial. These specific types are critical to detect early due to their higher risk of spreading.

Furthermore, the test showed high reliability for negative results, with a negative GALEAS result linked to a 99.3% probability that the patient did not have bladder cancer. While the test is not intended to replace the standard cystoscopy procedure, it may reduce the need for invasive examinations by helping doctors identify which patients require immediate follow-up.