Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have developed a urine-based test that can detect DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, particularly those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This test could potentially lead to earlier detection of head and neck cancers, which currently lack reliable screening methods. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
The study used whole genome sequencing to show that tumor cells release cell-free DNA fragments into the bloodstream, which then pass into urine through the kidneys. These fragments are extremely small, with fewer than 50 base pairs, making them difficult to detect using conventional liquid biopsy tests. The research team, led by Muneesh Tewari, J. Chad Brenner, and Paul L. Swiecicki, developed a urine test specifically designed to detect these ultra-short DNA fragments, showing promise for detecting circulating tumor DNA in HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients.
The initial results of the study have shown that the urine-based test has the potential to detect cancer recurrences much earlier than traditional clinical imaging methods. As a result, the researchers plan to expand the distribution of the test to gather more data on its effectiveness. Additionally, the study has also shown promise for detecting other types of cancers, such as breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia, using the same urine-based testing method. This opens up new possibilities for developing non-invasive diagnostic tests for a variety of cancers.
The study highlights the potential of using urine-based diagnostic assays for detecting various cancer types, as urine contains valuable information about different cancers despite being produced in the kidneys. The convenience of self-collection of urine samples may improve compliance in patients requiring follow-up testing post-treatment, compared to blood-based assays. The research team, led by Chandan Bhambhani, emphasizes the importance of these findings in developing non-invasive diagnostic tests for different cancer types.
The funding for this study was provided by various NIH grants, including R33 CA229023, R21 CA225493, and U01 CA183848, as well as grants from the American Cancer Society and the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute. The study’s authors include a diverse group of researchers, specialists, and medical professionals who have collaborated to develop and test this innovative urine-based diagnostic test for detecting head and neck cancers caused by HPV. The promising results of this study may lead to further advancements in early cancer detection and monitoring.
