Monoclonal Antibodies Detect Early Recurrence of Bladder Cancer

A point-of-care technology for the early detection of recurrent bladder cancer uses monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of bladder tumor associated antigen in urine.

The BTAstat test is a single-step, rapid immunochromatographic assay for bladder tumor associated antigen in voided urine. Requiring only 3 drops of urine from a single sample, the test provides results in 5 minutes. There is no sample treatment or preparation required. The BTAstat device is supplied in an individual foil pouch with a plastic dropper, and can be stored at room temperature (15 to 25 °C).

The specificity of the BTAstat test was 93-95% in patients with non-genitourinary diseases, cancers, and healthy individuals tested as part of a multicenter study. The test has a sensitivity that is considerably higher than voided urine cytology, enabling detection of recurrent early stage and grade cancers that are frequently missed by cytology alone.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men. Over 14,000 deaths are expected this year and 68,810 new cases will be diagnosed with the disease. It has a 5-year survival rate of 94% if caught early and recurs in over 88% of patients within fifteen years, calling for regular testing and lifelong management.

BTAStat is manufactured, and distributed by Polymedco, Inc. (Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA). For further information please see related links below.

Related Links:
Polymedco, Inc
BTAStat Information