Essential
- Lung cancer occupies first place in terms of mortality because it is often diagnosed late.
- Researchers have developed a urinary test to detect this cancer early.
- This test works on mice, preclinical validation is now necessary.
Each year this cancer is responsible for the death of more than 33,000 people in France. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer, but it occupies the first position in terms of mortality. If it is the deadliest, it is because it is diagnosed late, the treatments no longer responding. Researchers at the University of Cambridge managed to develop a urinary test to detect this cancer early. A press release published in Cancer Research UK -The organism having financed this work – explains this advance.
“Zombie” cells in pulmonary tissue
“We know that before the appearance of cancer, changes occur in affected tissues“Indicates Professor Ljiljana Fruk, one of the two scientists who led the study.”One of these changes is the accumulation of damaged cells which are not sufficiently damaged to be eliminated, but enough to release signals which reprogramly the fabric and make it perfect for the development of cancer”, She explains. These cells die are often called“ zombie ”cells because they are not yet really dead.
The researchers managed to identify a specific protein released by these “zombie” cells in the pulmonary tissue. “We have designed a probe that cuts itself into two pieces in its presence”, Specifies Professor Fruk.
What is the operation of this urinary test diagnosing lung cancer?
The test consists of an injection introducing a probe into the body. This is then cut in half by the target protein, the smallest part heads towards the kidneys and allows its release in the urine. Scientists add a money solution to urine samples so that they can change color.
“By monitoring the color of the urine after the injection of the probe, we can say if cells present in the lungs would indicate the first signs of pathological changes that can lead to cancer”Explains the expert.
“This new approach would identify the lung cancers of the months, even years before they start to cause symptoms”, Specifies the press release. In some cases, this would allow the patient to receive treatment without using surgery. Another important aspect: the cost of this test is much lower than scanners.
For the moment, the test is working on mice. The team must now obtain preclinical validation and then hopes to extend this technology to other types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and melanoma.
