New urine test may reduce kidney cancer imaging needs

A new urine test may help doctors track kidney cancer more effectively. Early research shows the test could reduce the need for regular imaging scans by half. This test, called "GAGomes," detects specific substances in urine that indicate whether kidney cancer has returned. The test has a high level of accuracy. Researchers found that if the test result is negative, there is a 97% chance the patient does not have a recurrence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This means doctors could safely wait longer between imaging scans, reducing the frequency from every three months to every six. In a study, 134 patients who had surgery for ccRCC were monitored. They had regular scans to check for cancer return, and urine samples were taken for testing. Out of the patients monitored, 16% had a recurrence within 18 months. While the test was good at identifying those with a recurrence, it also incorrectly indicated that some patients had a recurrence when they did not. Experts noted that this test, which uses a combination of biomarkers, can provide reliable results. Maria Carmen Mir, a urologic oncologist, highlighted its strong negative predictive value. However, she emphasized the need for more research to determine its ability to save lives. Despite the advantages of the urine test, some doctors remain cautious. David Schulsinger from Stony Brook University Hospital pointed out that traditional CT scans are still the most accurate method currently available for monitoring kidney cancer. Further studies are underway to validate the urine test, and its developers hope to gain approval for it in the U.S. by 2026. Currently, the test is not approved for clinical use, and more research is necessary to confirm its potential benefits in real-life medical situations.