Urine test detects recurring kidney cancer in 90% cases

A new study suggests that a simple urine test could help detect recurring kidney cancer in patients after surgery. Researchers found the test was able to identify recurrence with 90% accuracy. The AUR87A study involved 134 patients treated at 23 hospitals in countries including the UK, US, and Canada. All patients had clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which is the most common kidney cancer. This cancer usually returns in about one-fifth of cases within one to two years after surgery, where most patients had their kidney completely removed. Currently, patients are monitored with CT scans, but these can be uncomfortable and might not always provide clear information. In this study, patients continued with CT scans while also taking a urine test every three months. The test analyzed specific sugar molecules in urine and provided a score indicating the risk of cancer recurrence. After 18 months, 15% of the patients experienced a return of cancer. The urine test successfully detected recurrence in 90% of these cases and ruled out cancer in over half of the patients who remained cancer-free. Saeed Dabestani, a lead researcher, mentioned that the urine test could reduce the number of follow-up scans needed. This would make it easier and less stressful for patients. The study's findings are being shared at a major urology conference in Madrid and will be published in a medical journal. Researchers are also recruiting more patients for further analysis, with results expected later this year.