‘Promising’ urine test spots 92% of bladder cancer cases in trial

A new urine test has correctly identified 92% of bladder cancer cases in a UK trial, raising hopes for speedier diagnoses. The Galeas urine test was trialled on 964 patients across seven urology departments in England and Scotland. A study, led by the University of Birmingham, showed that it correctly identified 92.2% of cancer cases.

Experts said the at-home test could spare patients from having an invasive cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera up the urethra, while also reducing the burden on health services.

“The results are very significant for clinical practice,” said Prof Richard Bryan, study co-author. “Only 8% of patients in the study were ultimately diagnosed with bladder cancer, which highlights the challenge facing services, where large numbers of patients currently enter the same urgent diagnostic pathway despite most not having cancer.

“[health]”Galeas is a promising and less invasive test that can be easier to administer and make testing and screening for bladder cancer far easier,” he added.

The peer-reviewed study was published in the journal European Urology Oncology on Wednesday. Further, larger studies are planned.