Lung cancer could soon be diagnosed earlier than ever thanks to a revolutionary new urine test developed by scientists in Cambridge. Funded by Cancer Research, this world-first technology can detect some of the earliest signs of lung cancer by identifying ‘zombie’ cells – damaged cells that pave the way for cancer to develop.
Led by Professor Ljiljana Fruk and Dr Daniel Munoz Espin at the University of Cambridge, the research team hopes this innovation will transform how lung cancer is detected. Early diagnosis could give patients a much better chance of successful treatment.
So far, the urine test has been successfully trialled in mice, with researchers preparing for human trials in the near future. Once validated, this technology could help address one of the biggest challenges in cancer care: diagnosing lung cancer early, before it spreads, when treatment options are more effective.
Backed by Research Funding
This groundbreaking work was made possible by an £88,000 Cancer Research grant and is being carried out across the University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and the Early Cancer Institute.
From the Lungs to the Bladder
The test focuses on identifying senescent cells, often called ‘zombie’ cells because they are neither fully alive nor entirely dead. While they can no longer divide like healthy cells, they release signals that alter their surroundings, creating a fertile environment for cancer to grow.
Professor Fruk explains:
“Before cancer develops, there are changes in the affected tissues. One such change is the accumulation of damaged cells that release signals, reprogramming the tissue and making it perfect for cancer development.”
The test uses a specially designed protein probe to detect these signals. The process begins with an injection of the probe, which reacts to proteins released by senescent cells in lung tissue. When these proteins are present, the probe is split into two parts. One part travels to the kidneys and is eventually excreted in the urine.
The second step of the test involves analysing the urine sample. By adding a silver-based solution – a method inspired by traditional photography techniques – scientists can make the presence of these proteins visible through a colour change in the urine.
A Cheaper, Earlier, and Less Invasive Solution
This innovative approach could detect lung cancer months or even years before symptoms appear, potentially eliminating the need for invasive surgeries or expensive scans. Early detection not only improves survival rates but could also make screening more accessible and affordable.
With targeted lung cancer screening programmes already helping to diagnose more cases earlier in England, the introduction of a urine-based test could complement these efforts, making early diagnosis even more widespread.
Expanding the Technology to Other Cancer Types
The Cambridge research team isn’t stopping at lung cancer. They are exploring how this technology could be adapted to detect other types of cancer, including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma.
By broadening the scope of this cutting-edge urine test, researchers aim to bring the benefits of early cancer detection to even more patients.
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