Simple urine test ‘could help to detect aggressive bladder cancer’

A simple urine test could be used in future to distinguish between more and less aggressive forms of bladder cancers, according to a new UK study.

The Cancer Research UK-funded study, which was carried out by the University of Birmingham, measured the levels of a protein called EpCAM shed by the bladder tumour in 600 patients. It was found that higher levels of the substance in the urine could be linked to more harmful cancer cases.

It has been known for some time that EpCAM is released from some tumour cells, but prior to this it was unclear whether it would be useful as a diagnostic testing target. This discovery means it could be used to replace more invasive and costlier testing methods.

Dr Douglas Ward, a researcher at the University of Birmingham and one of the study authors, said: "This protein could be used to help doctors to decide what the best course of investigation or treatment for the patients is and may prevent unnecessary delays."

Bladder cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, with around 10,300 cases being detected each year.