Urine samples may reveal early signs of ovarian cancer

A new study done at Virginia Commonwealth University shows potential for a urine-based test for ovarian cancer.

The research led by Joseph Reiner and colleagues focuses on nanopore sensing, which can potentially detect multiple peptides simultaneously. The basic idea of nanopore sensing involves passing molecules through a tiny pore, or nanopore, and measuring the changes in electrical current or other properties as the molecules move through.

Earlier studies have revealed the presence of thousands of small molecules, known as peptides, in the urine of ovarian cancer patients. However, traditional detection methods for these peptides are neither straightforward nor cost-effective.

To detect various peptides through nanopore sensing, Reiner used gold nanoparticles that can partially block the pore. Peptides, like those in the urine of people with ovarian cancer, will then stick to the gold particle and move around to show a unique current signature.