P-Scan: New Breast Cancer Urinalysis

On the spirit of the recent identification of a breast cancer genetic markers at University of Alberta (check out our posts here) , here is a breast cancer urinalysis biomarker for you! Dr. Yinfa Ma of Missouri University of Science and Technology has developed a "new screening method that uses urinalysis to diagnose breast cancer - and determine its severity - before it could be detected with a mammogram." Dr. Ma uses a "device called a P-scan to detect the concentration of certain metabolites called pteredines in urine samples." These markers have high concentrations cancer patients. (1)

While this sounds so promising, the source states that the study is still under way at the Mercy Breast Center, Springfield, Mo. Dr. Ma has had limited success so far and is to increase the scope of his testing in order to verify the effectiveness of his method. The sources indicates that such blind studies as the ones carried in this research are "part of the validation process required by the FDA to eventually make the P-Scan available in clinics across the country as an inexpensive, non-invasive test that could be used during routine physical examinations." One of the possible future applications of Dr. Ma's success is using the method for detecting other types of cancer. (1)  



Could you imagine the future implications of such a breakthrough in diagnosis and detection? Here is Missouri University's coverage of Dr. Ma's research and his reflections:

"“I want people to realize that their help is so important for the development of technology that can save more lives in the future,” Ma says. “I hope they will consider participating in this study to help many others in the future.

“I am very excited about this project,” Ma says. “If it works, it will save lives. That’s my motivation.”

For more information about participation in the study, contact Adrianna Moore or Pearlena Hamlet at the Mercy Breast Center at 417-820-8099." (2)      







Sources:
(1) http://www.dnaindia.com/health/1839582/report-new-urine-test-technique-helps-detect-breast-cancer
(2) http://news.mst.edu/2013/05/5356/

Photos:
- http://www.safemedtrip.com/
- http://www.impactednurse.com/?p=2144
- http://news.mst.edu/2013/05/5356/