Molecules
in urine could help healthcare professionals monitor skin cancer, instead of
using invasive biopsies, a study has suggested.
Scientists
from the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University found that flourescent molecules that
can be detected in urine are produced during the growth of malignant melanoma,
an aggressive form of skin cancer.
The
research, published in Open Chemistry, collected urine samples of 46 malignant
melanoma patients and 10 healthy people, and tested them for biomarkers of
cancer using flourescence spectophotometry, an inexpensive and quick process.
The
study stated: ‘Spectral measurements of urine samples appear to be a rapid,
inexpensive and non-invasive method suitable for monitoring of maligant
melanoma progression.’
Urine
samples from malignant melanoma patients had different levels of these
flourescent markers, compared to samples from healthy patients. The molecules
also corresponded to the stage of cancer.
Malignant
melanoma is aggressive, so frequently spreads to other areas of the body.
Monitoring its progression is important as a result.
However,
patients currently must undergo invasive surgery to remove tissue samples,
which are analysed by lab technicians in an expensive and time-consuming
process.
Malignant
melanoma is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with around 42
people being diagnosed every day.
Earlier
this month, a study found that exposure to outdoor blue light – such as from
street lights and commercial billboards – could increase the risk of developing
bowel cancer.
Another
study found that not brushing your teeth regularly increases your chance of
developing mouth and stomach cancer.
