MIT: Urinalysis for Cancer and Metastases

2023: Urinalysis announcement

On April 25, 2023, American researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the development of a new method to identify different types of malignancies and detect metastases based on urinalysis.

The proposed technology is based on the use of special nanoparticles that are injected into the patient. They enter the bloodstream and circulate in the body: in the case of contact with cancer biomarkers, the nanoparticles release short DNA sequences that eventually enter the urine. Next, a sample is analyzed using a special test strip: if cancer is detected, a dark strip appears on it.

Urinalysis developed to identify different cancers and metastases

The new approach makes it possible to identify many different cancer proteins. The technology can be used to determine the type of malignant tumor or its response to treatment. The researchers showed that the test allows you to analyze up to five DNA "barcodes," but in the future, scientists intend to increase this value to 46. Thus, within the framework of one test, it will be possible to carry out comprehensive diagnostics for the development of malignant formations.

The developed method has a number of advantages over existing methods of cancer diagnosis. In particular, it provides tumor detection at an early stage, thereby increasing the chances of successful treatment. In addition, the technology is relatively inexpensive, and therefore it can be used in poor or remote areas where access to advanced diagnostic systems and equipment is limited or completely impossible. Experts hope that the results of their work will make testing for malignant lesions available to as many patients as possible around the world.^[1]

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