A new urine test for lung cancer might soon be available through the NHS within the next five years, according to experts. This test can detect “zombie cells” signaling early cancer development months or even years before symptoms appear. Researchers from Cambridge University and Royal Papworth Hospital have conducted trials using human urine samples to target the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK.
Lung cancer claims approximately 33,000 lives annually in the UK, with most cases being diagnosed in advanced stages, posing challenges for effective treatment. Professor Ljiljana Fruk of the University of Cambridge expressed optimism about the potential impact of the simple test, aiming to make a significant difference for individuals at risk of this deadly disease.
The research team utilized extensive human genetic data to study senescent cells associated with lung cancer progression. These “zombie cells” cease division but remain active in tissues, evading immune responses and releasing harmful substances that cause inflammation and damage to nearby healthy cells.
Through their investigation, Cambridge scientists identified a specific protein produced by zombie cells and developed a sensor that, when introduced, interacts with the protein to release a detectable compound in urine, indicating their presence.
While the sensor has not yet undergone human testing, clinical trials are the next step, and it may take several years before it reaches patients. However, this advancement marks a significant milestone that could potentially enable early detection of recurring lung cancer in the future, with the possibility of integration into general practice and hospital settings.
Cancer Research UK, which supported the study, acknowledged the significance of innovative technologies in research and highlighted the promising nature of the new urine test for early lung cancer detection. The researchers documented the validation of the biomarker in human tissue using real patient samples, suggesting that the urine sensor could also be effective in identifying other lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis.
Professor Fruk mentioned ongoing efforts to adapt the probe for detecting various cancers beyond lung fibrosis, emphasizing the team’s commitment to expanding the application of this technology.
Professor Daniel Munoz-Espin, co-lead of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre Thoracic Cancer Programme, emphasized the potential of the urine nano sensor in detecting therapy resistance and early lung cancer development, offering a proactive approach for clinical settings in the future.
