Study Reveals Urine-Based Test Detects Aggressive Prostate Cancer - Video

In a new study, researchers have clinically validated a previously developed urine test, which can potentially bypass the invasive procedures done to diagnose prostate cancer among men who are unlikely to benefit.

The urine test, called MyProstateScore 2.0, or MPS2, looks at 18 different genes linked to high-grade prostate cancer.

The researchers had previously demonstrated that the test was effective in identifying Gleason grade 2 or higher cancers, helping patients avoid unnecessary biopsies.

However, in that study, urine samples were obtained after a digital rectal examination.

In the study, the team modified the urine collection approach so that the MPS2 test could detect markers for prostate cancer, without requiring a prior rectal exam.

Using urine samples from a cohort of 266 men who did not undergo a rectal exam, they found that the test could detect 94% of Gleason grade 2 or higher cancers and was more sensitive than blood tests.

Further, the team used mathematical models to demonstrate that the use of MPS2 would have avoided up to 53% of unnecessary biopsies.

MPS2 can also help patients save on healthcare costs since it is significantly cheaper than an MRI.

“MPS2 could potentially improve the health of our patients by avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment and allowing us to focus on those who are most likely to have aggressive cancers,” said Ganesh S. Palapattu, M.D., a professor of urology.

Reference: “Clinical validation of MyProstateScore 2.0 testing using first-catch, non-DRE urine,” The Journal of Urology. DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004421