As of: January 29, 2024, 5:56 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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Cancer can be detected early through a simple blood and urine test.
Researchers discover certain sugar molecules that are relevant for diagnostics.
Swedish researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, led by Dr.
Francesco Gatto is developing a novel and relatively simple method for the early detection of 14 types of cancer, as
Spektrum
reports.
This could represent a breakthrough for the diagnosis of diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer.
In their studies, the scientists became aware of specific sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are found on both healthy and cancer cells.
What was noticeable: the sugar molecules change their structure as soon as they sit on a degenerated cell.
This can be detected in blood and urine.
So what does this mean for cancer patients?
Detecting cancer better: Detecting altered sugar in the blood and urine should make diagnosis easier
Cancer could be detected earlier based on certain sugars in the blood or urine.
(Symbolic image) © Vladimir Smirnov/Imago
The study results of the Swedish cancer researchers were presented in the specialist journal “PNAS” and are also attracting attention from German scientists.
It is very exciting to be able to use sugar compounds as a method for detecting cancer, says Dr.
Almut Schulze from
the German Cancer Research Center
.
During the examination as part of the study, in which a total of 1,260 healthy people and people with cancer took part, the blood and urine were examined for certain biomarkers as a so-called liquid biopsy.
The advantage: In contrast to conventional biopsy, this method does not require tissue samples to be taken and analyzed.
This is a great diagnostic opportunity, especially for types of cancer such as brain and lung tumors, as a needle biopsy is too risky.
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The scientists were able to determine phase 1 cancer stages in 41.6 percent of cases based on the blood sample alone.
After an additional urine sample, the sensitivity of the test results increased to 62.3 percent.
Six out of ten cancer patients were correctly diagnosed; in four patients, a liquid biopsy with blood and urine did not produce any results.
Early detection could be possible for 14 cancers
The studies focused on the early detection of the following 14 types of cancer:
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Breast cancer
Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer)
cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Colon cancer
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (brain tumor)
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Head and neck tumor
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors
Detecting cancer: Tissue biopsy results have so far been safer for diagnostics and patients
The study authors emphasize that analyzing sugar molecules in blood and urine is a simple, cost-effective test method that could be well suited to diagnosing many patients,
Spektrum
continues.
However, further tests would be required before this method could be regularly used in cancer diagnostics.
Diagnosis based on tissue biopsy has so far been more reliable.
Because chronic illnesses could influence the results of a liquid biopsy with blood and urine.
Obesity, high blood pressure and sugar and fat metabolism disorders such as diabetes would also change the structure of the sugar molecules (GAGs).
In the worst case scenario, the consequence would be that patients would be unnecessarily unsettled by a false positive test from the blood and urine biopsy.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.