Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:23
A Murine Orthotopic Bladder Tumor Model and Tumor Detection System
Published on: January 12, 2017
Highly specific urine-based marker of bladder cancer
Thu-Suong Van Le1, Raymond Miller, Timothy Barder
1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh, Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Urology
|December 20, 2005
Summary
A new sandwich immunoassay for bladder cancer biomarker BLCA-4 shows high accuracy. This test can detect bladder cancer in urine samples, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved patient care.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Bladder cancer is a significant global health concern.
- Biomarker development is crucial for disease diagnosis.
- BLCA-4 was previously identified as a bladder cancer-specific biomarker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate BLCA-4 levels in urine using a sandwich immunoassay.
- To assess the diagnostic potential of BLCA-4 for bladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from healthy individuals and patients with bladder cancer, benign urologic conditions, or prostate cancer.
- A sandwich immunoassay utilizing two antibodies against distinct BLCA-4 epitopes was employed.
- BLCA-4 levels were quantified using the developed immunoassay.
Main Results:
- The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 89% for detecting bladder cancer.
- The assay achieved a specificity of 95% in distinguishing bladder cancer from other conditions.
- A cutoff of 0.04 absorbance units was prospectively determined.
Conclusions:
- The sandwich BLCA-4 immunoassay exhibits high sensitivity and specificity.
- This assay may facilitate earlier detection and treatment of bladder cancer.
- Improved patient care is anticipated through earlier disease intervention.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...