We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Multi-Omic Noninvasive Urine-Based DNA Test to Improve Bladder Cancer Detection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 May 2024
Print article
Image: AssureMDx is a noninvasive, urine-based test for the early detection of bladder cancer (Photo courtesy of Lightspring/Shutterstock)
Image: AssureMDx is a noninvasive, urine-based test for the early detection of bladder cancer (Photo courtesy of Lightspring/Shutterstock)

Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, is commonly associated with bladder cancer and is its most frequent symptom. Current guidelines recommend referring patients with hematuria to urology for clinical evaluation; however, only 12% receive such referrals, leading to an estimated 20,000 missed diagnoses annually. This lack of timely detection results in more advanced disease stages and higher mortality rates. Traditional diagnostic approaches like cytology and cystoscopy are commonly employed but are hampered by low sensitivity, often failing to detect bladder cancer effectively. Additionally, the concern for missed cancer diagnoses has led to an increased use of CT scans, which expose patients to unnecessary radiation and elevate the risk of developing secondary cancers later. Now, a novel noninvasive urine-based test that assesses genomic alterations linked to bladder cancer promises to more accurately identify patients who are at high risk and would benefit from a urological evaluation, while also distinguishing those at low risk who could safely forego invasive and potentially harmful diagnostic procedures.

Vesica Health (Irvine, CA, USA) has launched AssureMDx, a noninvasive, multi-omic urine-based DNA test designed to transform the triage of patients with hematuria. This test provides clinicians with a precise tool for identifying patients at increased risk of bladder cancer, thus facilitating timely referrals for urological evaluation and clinical intervention. Importantly, the test also aids in identifying patients at very low risk, who might avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and CT scans, thereby minimizing exposure to potentially harmful radiation. AssureMDx marks a significant advancement in the field of bladder cancer diagnostics, combining exceptional accuracy and reliability supported by strong scientific validation.

Supported by extensive research, the epigenetic and somatic biomarkers of AssureMDx have been documented in 22 peer-reviewed studies involving more than 6,000 patients, including multiple prospective clinical validation studies. These studies have consistently shown the test's robust clinical performance, with notable metrics such as a 0.96 AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve), 99% Negative Predictive Value (NPV), and 96% Sensitivity in detecting bladder cancer among patients presenting with hematuria. Additionally, AssureMDx offers urologists a noninvasive way to monitor patients with bladder cancer who are at increased risk of recurrence after treatment, thereby enhancing patient care and improving long-term outcomes.

"We are delighted to officially introduce AssureMDx for patient testing,” said Christopher Thibodeau, Chief Executive Officer of Vesica Health. “With an extensive evidence dossier of over 22 peer-reviewed publications, including three clinical validation studies, coupled with the recent successful completion of our analytical validation, we stand prepared to empower hematuria patients and their physicians with this vital tool for enhancing patient care."

Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
Vitamin B12 Test
CHORUS CLIA VIT B12
New
Sulfidoleukotrienes (sLT) Assay
CAST ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.