Early detection of cancer is crucial for improving survival rates, and scientists have developed a new technology that enables cancer diagnosis through a simple urine test.
Researchers from MIT have created nanoparticle sensors that can detect cancer by analyzing urine samples on a paper strip, similar to at-home COVID-19 tests, making diagnosis affordable and accessible.
The sensors can detect various cancerous proteins, determine the type of tumor, and evaluate its response to treatment. When encountering a tumor, the nanoparticles release specific DNA sequences into the urine, which act as “barcodes” revealing tumor characteristics. In mouse studies, the nanosensors successfully detected the activity of five enzymes expressed in tumors. By scaling up their approach, the researchers were able to distinguish 46 different DNA barcodes in a single sample.
The technology has shown promise in early clinical trials and could not only detect cancer but also monitor treatment response and recurrence. Further development and testing in humans are underway to advance this diagnostic approach.
