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Caño Velasco J, Artero Fullana S, Polanco Pujol L, Lafuente Puentedura A, Subiela JD, Aragón Chamizo J, Moralejo Gárate M, Hernández Fernández C. Use of Bladder Epicheck® in the follow-up of high-risk non-muscle-invasive Bladder cancer: A systematic literature review. Actas Urol Esp 2024:S2173-5786(24)00064-7. [PMID: 38735433 DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, different urinary markers such as the Bladder Epicheck® have been developed in an attempt to reduce the number of cystoscopies in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). AIM To provide a systematic review of Bladder Epicheck® and its current clinical utility in the follow-up and detection of recurrence of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic review based on a literature search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases until October 2023, according to PRISMA and Quadas-2 criteria. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the marker were calculated. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS Fifteen studies were analyzed (n = 3761) including 86.7% prospective studies. Of the patient series, 53.2% had received previous intravesical instillations. The mean Se of the biomarker in the detection of recurrence varied according to tumor grade (87.9%-high grade/HG vs. 44.9%-low grade/LG, respectively). Their weighted mean Se and Sp were 71.6% and 84.5%, respectively. The mean recurrence rate was 29.1%. The weighted mean PPV and NPV were 56.4% and 92.8% (97.7% non-LG), respectively. The mean AUC was 85.63%. CONCLUSION Bladder Epicheck® is a useful urinary marker in the follow-up of NMIBC, with significantly high Se and NPV in the detection of recurrences, especially in cases of HG disease. Its use can reduce the number of cystoscopies required in the follow-up of NMIBC, improving the quality of life of patients and potentially increasing health economic savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Caño Velasco
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - S Artero Fullana
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Polanco Pujol
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Lafuente Puentedura
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - J D Subiela
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Aragón Chamizo
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Moralejo Gárate
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Hernández Fernández
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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Palermo M, D'Elia C, Trenti E, Comploj E, Mian C, Schwienbacher C, Heidegger I, Clauser S, Pycha A, Vjaters E. Prospective evaluation of the RT-PCR based urinary marker Bladder Epicheck® as a diagnostic tool in upper urinary tract tumor. Minerva Urol Nephrol 2024; 76:195-202. [PMID: 38498297 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6051.23.05488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper-tract-urothelial-carcinoma (UTUC) represents 5-10% of all urothelial-neoplasms with increasing incidence in the last decades. Current standard tools for diagnosis of UTUC include cytology, computed tomography (CT) urography and ureterorenoscopy (URS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Bladder Epicheck® Test as diagnostic tool for UTUC diagnosis and recurrence. METHODS Overall, 136 urine samples, selective collected from upper-urinary-tract before URS for suspicion of UTUC were analyzed with cytology and Bladder Epicheck® Test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of both markers were calculated and compared to URS and/or histology as reference. RESULTS UTUC was detected in 40 cases (33.3%), among them 30 were classified as low-grade (LG) and 10 as high-grade (HG). Overall sensitivity of Bladder Epicheck® for UTUC detection was 65% compared to 42.5% for cytology, increasing to 100% for Bladder Epicheck® and 90% for cytology if considering only HG tumors. Overall specificity of Bladder Epicheck® was 81.2% and of cytology 93.7%. PPV and NPV were 63.4% and 82.2% for Bladder Epicheck® and 77.2% and 76.5% for cytology. Considering an EpiScore cut-off >75, instead of 60, specificity of Bladder Epicheck® improves to 89% and PPV to 74.2%. Limitations include the use of a marker validated only for bladder-cancer and the relatively small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS Due to its high sensitivity for HG tumors, the Bladder Epicheck® Test can be used in diagnosis and treatment decision-making of UTUC. Furthermore, it could be very useful in follow-up of UTUC, after endoscopic treatment to postpone or avoid unnecessary endoscopic exploration. Even if further studies are needed to validate these findings, Bladder Epicheck® could be a promising clinical tool for detection of UTUC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina D'Elia
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Trenti
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy -
| | - Evi Comploj
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Christine Mian
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Clauser
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Armin Pycha
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Egils Vjaters
- Department of Urology, Riga Stradins University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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Pierconti F, Rossi ED, Fiorentino V, Bakacs A, Carlino A, Navarra E, Sacco E, Totaro A, Palermo G, Larocca LM, Martini M. Methylation Analysis of Urinary Sample in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Carcinoma: Frequency and Management of Invalid Result. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3288. [PMID: 38137509 PMCID: PMC10741688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies showed that methylation analysis represents a newly developed urinary marker based on DNA methylation changes in a panel of genomic biomarkers and it could represent a valid tool in terms of the diagnosis and prediction of high-grade urothelial carcinoma recurrences. One of the limits of the use of this new molecular method during a follow-up is represented by the number of invalid tests in routine practice. METHOD A total of 782 patients with a diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive high-grade carcinoma (NMIBC) was studied. The Bladder EpiCheck test (BE) was performed together with cytology in all cases within 1 year after the end of treatment. In 402 patients, the urinary samples were voided urine (UV), while, in 380 cases, the samples were collected after bladder washing (IU). For all the patients with invalid BE results, a second BE test was performed following the instructions for use that indicated the test should be repeated with a new urinary sample in the case of an invalid result. RESULTS Analyzing the two different groups (UV and IU), we found the invalid BE results seemed to be not related to urinary samples (p = 0.13 Fisher's exact test), suggesting that the collection method was not relevant in order to reduce the number of invalid tests. CONCLUSIONS In the follow-up for NMIBC, for patients for whom a BE test is planned, a combined approach of cytology and a methylation test is recommended in order to repeat the BE test with an invalid result only in those cases with a cytological diagnosis of atypical urothelial cells (AUC) suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (SHGUC) and high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pierconti
- Institute of Pathology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00153 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - E. D. Rossi
- Institute of Pathology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00153 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - V. Fiorentino
- Institute of Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.F.); (M.M.)
| | - A. Bakacs
- Institute of Pathology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00153 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - A. Carlino
- Institute of Pathology, UniCamillus Rome, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (L.M.L.)
| | - E. Navarra
- Institute of Pathology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00153 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - E. Sacco
- Institute of Urology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (A.T.); (G.P.)
| | - A. Totaro
- Institute of Urology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (A.T.); (G.P.)
| | - G. Palermo
- Institute of Urology, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (A.T.); (G.P.)
| | - L. M. Larocca
- Institute of Pathology, UniCamillus Rome, 00131 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (L.M.L.)
| | - M. Martini
- Institute of Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (V.F.); (M.M.)
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Di Gianfrancesco L, Crestani A, Amodeo A, Corsi P, De Marchi D, Miglioranza E, Lista G, Simonetti F, Busetto GM, Maggi M, Pierconti F, Martini M, Montagner IM, Tormen D, Scapinello A, Marino F, Porreca A. The Role of Checkpoint Inhibitor Expression Directly on Exfoliated Cells from Bladder Cancer: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3119. [PMID: 37835862 PMCID: PMC10572290 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common type of cancer that affects the urinary bladder. The early detection and management of BCa is critical for successful treatment and patient outcomes. In recent years, researchers have been exploring the use of biomarkers as a non-invasive and effective tool for the detection and monitoring of BCa. One such biomarker is programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which is expressed on the surface of cancer cells and plays a crucial role in the evasion of the immune system. Studies have shown that the PD-L1 expression is higher in BCa tumors than in healthy bladder tissue. Additionally, PD-L1 expression might even be detected in urine samples in BCa patients, in addition to the examination of a histological sample. The technique is being standardized and optimized. We reported how BCa patients had higher urinary PD-L1 levels than controls by considering BCa tumors expressing PD-L1 in the tissue specimen. The expression of PD-L1 in urinary BCa cells might represent both a diagnostic and a prognostic tool, with the perspective that the PD-L1 expression of exfoliate urinary cells might reveal and anticipate eventual BCa recurrence or progression. Further prospective and longitudinal studies are needed to assess the expression of PD-L1 as a biomarker for the monitoring of BCa patients. The use of PD-L1 as a biomarker for the detection and monitoring of BCa has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by allowing for earlier detection and more effective management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Di Gianfrancesco
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Crestani
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Amodeo
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Paolo Corsi
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Davide De Marchi
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Eugenio Miglioranza
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Giuliana Lista
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Francesca Simonetti
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Martina Maggi
- Department of Urology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Pierconti
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Isabella Monia Montagner
- Anatomy and Pathological Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (I.M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Debora Tormen
- Anatomy and Pathological Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (I.M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonio Scapinello
- Anatomy and Pathological Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (I.M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Filippo Marino
- Department of Urology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angelo Porreca
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV)—IRCCS, Headquarter of Castelfranco Veneto, 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (P.C.); (D.D.M.); (E.M.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (A.P.)
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Sequeira JP, Barros-Silva D, Ferreira-Torre P, Salta S, Braga I, Carvalho J, Freitas R, Henrique R, Jerónimo C. OncoUroMiR: Circulating miRNAs for Detection and Discrimination of the Main Urological Cancers Using a ddPCR-Based Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13890. [PMID: 37762193 PMCID: PMC10531069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The three most common genitourinary malignancies (prostate/kidney/bladder cancers) constitute a substantial proportion of all cancer cases, mainly in the elderly population. Early detection is key to maximizing the patients' survival, but the lack of highly accurate biomarkers that might be used through non-/minimally invasive methods has impaired progress in this domain. Herein, we sought to develop a minimally invasive test to detect and discriminate among those urological cancers based on miRNAs assessment through ddPCR. Plasma samples from 268 patients with renal cell (RCC; n = 119), bladder (BlCa; n = 73), and prostate (PCa; n = 76) carcinomas (UroCancer group), and 74 healthy donors were selected. Hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-153-5p, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-205-5p, and hsa-miR-375-3p levels were assessed. UroCancer cases displayed significantly different circulating hsa-miR-182-5p/hsa-miR-375-3p levels compared to healthy donors. Importantly, the hsa-miR-155-5p/hsa-miR-375-3p panel detected RCC with a high specificity (80.54%) and accuracy (66.04%). Furthermore, the hsa-miR-126-3p/hsa-miR-375-3p panel identified BlCa with a 94.87% specificity and 76.45% NPV whereas higher hsa-miR-126-3p levels were found in PCa patients. We concluded that plasma-derived miRNAs can identify and discriminate among the main genitourinary cancers, with high analytical performance. Although validation in a larger cohort is mandatory, these findings demonstrate that circulating miRNA assessment by ddPCR might provide a new approach for early detection and risk stratification of the most common urological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Sequeira
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Doctoral Programme in Biomedical Sciences, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barros-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
| | - Patrícia Ferreira-Torre
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
| | - Sofia Salta
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Doctoral Programme in Molecular Pathology and Genetics, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaac Braga
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Urology & Urology Clinics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Urology & Urology Clinics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Freitas
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Urology & Urology Clinics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (J.P.S.); (D.B.-S.); (P.F.-T.); (S.S.); (I.B.); (J.C.); (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
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6
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Fiorentino V, Pizzimenti C, Franchina M, Rossi ED, Tralongo P, Carlino A, Larocca LM, Martini M, Fadda G, Pierconti F. Bladder Epicheck Test: A Novel Tool to Support Urothelial Carcinoma Diagnosis in Urine Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12489. [PMID: 37569864 PMCID: PMC10420163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer and upper urothelial tract carcinoma are common diseases with a high risk of recurrence, thus necessitating follow-up after initial treatment. The management of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) after transurethral resection involves surveillance, intravesical therapy, and cytology with cystoscopy. Urinary cytology, cystoscopy, and radiological evaluation of the upper urinary tract are recommended during follow-up in the international urological guidelines. Cystoscopy is the standard examination for the first assessment and follow-up of NMIBC, and urine cytology is a widely used urinary test with high sensitivity for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) and carcinoma in situ (CIS). In recent years, various urinary assays, including DNA methylation markers, have been used to detect bladder tumors. Among these, the Bladder EpiCheck test is one of the most widely used and is based on analysis of the methylation profile of urothelial cells to detect bladder neoplasms. This review assesses the importance of methylation analysis and the Bladder EpiCheck test as urinary biomarkers for diagnosing urothelial carcinomas in patients in follow-up for NMIBC, helping cytology and cystoscopy in doubtful cases. A combined approach of cytology and methylation analysis is suggested not only to diagnose HGUC, but also to predict clinical and histological recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Cristina Pizzimenti
- PhD Programme in Translational Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Mariausilia Franchina
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital Foundation, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (P.T.); (A.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Pietro Tralongo
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital Foundation, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (P.T.); (A.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Angela Carlino
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital Foundation, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (P.T.); (A.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Fadda
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesco Pierconti
- Department of Women, Children and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital Foundation, 00168 Rome, Italy; (E.D.R.); (P.T.); (A.C.); (F.P.)
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7
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Pierconti F, Rossi ED, Cenci T, Carlino A, Fiorentino V, Totaro A, Sacco E, Palermo G, Iacovelli R, Larocca LM, Bassi PF, Martini M. DNA methylation analysis in urinary samples: A useful method to predict the risk of neoplastic recurrence in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in the high-risk group. Cancer Cytopathol 2023; 131:158-164. [PMID: 36262084 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, it was reported that the Bladder EpiCheck test is likely to represent a valid tool in the diagnostic process of patients who have suspected bladder carcinoma, with some controversial management decisions because of the technical limitations of cytology. METHODS Two hundred ninety patients with a diagnosis of nonmuscle-invasive bladder carcinoma who were admitted at the authors' department from March 2019 to December 2019 were treated and followed for 1 year. During follow-up, all patients were evaluated by voided urine cytology, white-light cystoscopy (according to European Association of Urology guidelines), and the Bladder EpiCheck test. RESULTS The cytologic diagnoses of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) and suspicious for HGUC were histologically confirmed in 5 of 20 patients (25%) who had quantitative Bladder EpiCheck scores (EpiScores) from 60 to 69, in 23 of 36 patients (64%) who had EpiScores from 70 to 79, and in 42 of 56 patients (75%) and 57 of 63 patients (90%) who had EpiScores between 80 and 89 and EpiScores >90, respectively. Of 48 patients who had a cytologic diagnosis of HGUC or suspicious for HGUC with EpiScores ≥60 and negative histology, 20 (42%) had a recurrence of HGUC, which was cytologically and histologically confirmed, at 6-12 months during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study in which patients at high risk for HGUC were stratified using the Bladder EpiCheck EpiScore. The results validate this methylation analysis tool as a useful method for predicting recurrent HGUC during the follow-up of patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pierconti
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonia Cenci
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Carlino
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Totaro
- Institute of Urology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Sacco
- Institute of Urology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palermo
- Institute of Urology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Iacovelli
- Institute of Oncology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Larocca
- Institute of Pathology, Universita UniCamillus-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Bassi
- Institute of Urology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Institute of Pathology, Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore-Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Malinaric R, Mantica G, Lo Monaco L, Mariano F, Leonardi R, Simonato A, Van der Merwe A, Terrone C. The Role of Novel Bladder Cancer Diagnostic and Surveillance Biomarkers-What Should a Urologist Really Know? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159648. [PMID: 35955004 PMCID: PMC9368399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to analyze and describe the current landscape of bladder cancer diagnostic and surveillance biomarkers. We researched the literature from 2016 to November 2021 to find the most promising new molecules and divided them into seven different subgroups based on their function and location in the cell. Although cystoscopy and cytology are still the gold standard for diagnosis and surveillance when it comes to bladder cancer (BCa), their cost is quite a burden for national health systems worldwide. Currently, the research is focused on finding a biomarker that has high negative predictive value (NPV) and can exclude with a certainty the presence of the tumor, considering missing it could be disastrous for the patient. Every subgroup has its own advantages and disadvantages; for example, protein biomarkers cost less than genomic ones, but on the other hand, they seem to be less precise. We tried to simplify this complicated topic as much as possible in order to make it comprehensible to doctors and urologists that are not as familiar with it, as well as encourage them to actively participate in ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Malinaric
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Guglielmo Mantica
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lo Monaco
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Mariano
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosario Leonardi
- Department of Urology, Casa di Cura Musumeci GECAS, 95030 Gravina di Catania, Italy
| | - Alchiede Simonato
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - André Van der Merwe
- Department of Urology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa
| | - Carlo Terrone
- Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinic Hospital San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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9
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Peña KB, Riu F, Hernandez A, Guilarte C, Badia J, Parada D. Usefulness of the Urine Methylation Test (Bladder EpiCheck®) in Follow-Up Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer and Cytological Diagnosis of Atypical Urothelial Cells—An Institutional Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133855. [PMID: 35807141 PMCID: PMC9267544 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease and one of the most common cancers worldwide. Bladder cancer ranges from low-grade tumors that recur and require long-term invasive surveillance to high-grade tumors with high mortality. After the initial contemporary treatment in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, recurrence and progression rates remain high. Follow-up of these patients involves the use of cystoscopies, cytology, and imaging of the upper urinary tract in selected patients. However, in this context, both cystoscopy and cytology have limitations. In the follow-up of bladder cancer, the finding of urothelial cells with abnormal cytological characteristics is common. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of a urine DNA methylation test in patients with urothelial bladder cancer under follow-up and a cytological finding of urothelial cell atypia. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between the urine DNA methylation test, urine cytology, and subsequent cystoscopy study. It was a prospective and descriptive cohort study conducted on patients presenting with non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma between 1 January 2018 and 31 May 2022. A voided urine sample and a DNA methylation test was extracted from each patient. A total of 70 patients, 58 male and 12 female, with a median age of 70.03 years were studied. High-grade urothelial carcinoma was the main histopathological diagnosis. Of the cytologies, 41.46% were cataloged as atypical urothelial cells. The DNA methylation test was positive in 17 urine samples, 51 were negative and 2 were invalid. We demonstrated the usefulness of a DNA methylation test in the follow-up of patients diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma. The methylation test also helps to diagnose urothelial cell atypia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla B. Peña
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43204 Reus, Spain; (K.B.P.); (F.R.); (A.H.); (C.G.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Reus, Spain
| | - Francesc Riu
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43204 Reus, Spain; (K.B.P.); (F.R.); (A.H.); (C.G.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Reus, Spain
| | - Anna Hernandez
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43204 Reus, Spain; (K.B.P.); (F.R.); (A.H.); (C.G.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain;
| | - Carmen Guilarte
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43204 Reus, Spain; (K.B.P.); (F.R.); (A.H.); (C.G.)
| | - Joan Badia
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain;
| | - David Parada
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43204 Reus, Spain; (K.B.P.); (F.R.); (A.H.); (C.G.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Reus, Spain
- Correspondence:
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10
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THE ROLE OF BLADDER EPICHECK TEST ™ IN FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS WITH NON MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2022; 20:e271-e275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clgc.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Hentschel AE, Beijert IJ, Bosschieter J, Kauer PC, Vis AN, Lissenberg-Witte BI, van Moorselaar RJA, Steenbergen RDM, Nieuwenhuijzen JA. Bladder cancer detection in urine using DNA methylation markers: a technical and prospective preclinical validation. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:19. [PMID: 35123558 PMCID: PMC8818199 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The development of accurate urinary biomarkers for non-invasive and cost-effective detection of primary and recurrent bladder tumours is recognized as one of the major clinical needs in bladder cancer diagnostics. The purposes of this study were (1) to validate the results of a previous technical comparison by determining the diagnostic performance of nine methylation markers in urine pellet compared to full void urine, and (2) to validate the diagnostic performance of the optimal marker panel GHSR/MAL from a previous exploratory study in a preclinical setting.
Methods
Urine samples of 108 patients with bladder cancer and 100 age- and gender-matched controls were prospectively collected for methylation analysis. Urinary methylation levels of the markers FAM19A4, GHSR, MAL, miR-129, miR-935, PHACTR3, PRDM14, SST and ZIC1 were determined with quantitative methylation-specific PCR in urine pellet. Area under the curves (AUCs) were determined for individual markers and the marker panel GHSR/MAL. The diagnostic performance of the marker panel GHSR/MAL was evaluated in the total study population and in different subgroups of patients with bladder cancer using the Chi-square test. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed by leave-one-out cross-validation.
Results
All nine urinary methylation markers (FAM19A4, GHSR, MAL, miR-129, miR-935, PHACTR3, PRDM14, SST and ZIC1) showed significantly higher methylation levels in bladder cancer patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Area under the curves (AUCs) of the nine methylation markers tested in urine pellet were similar to AUCs in full void urine of an independent previous cohort. GHSR/MAL reached an AUC of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.94), at 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Sensitivity of GHSR/MAL increased with higher tumour grades, higher tumour stages, in primary vs. recurrent tumours, and in males vs. females.
Conclusions
This technical validation supports the robustness of DNA methylation analysis in urine pellet and full void urine for the non-invasive detection of bladder cancer. Subsequent preclinical validation confirmed the diagnostic potential of GHSR/MAL. These findings underline the diagnostic potential of the marker panel GHSR/MAL for future bladder cancer diagnostics.
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Crocetto F, Barone B, Ferro M, Busetto GM, La Civita E, Buonerba C, Di Lorenzo G, Terracciano D, Schalken JA. Liquid biopsy in bladder cancer: State of the art and future perspectives. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 170:103577. [PMID: 34999017 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract. Cystoscopy represents the gold standard in the diagnosis of suspicious bladder lesions. However, the procedure is invasive and burdened by pain, discomfort and infective complications. Cytology, which represents an alternative diagnostic possibility is limited by poor sensitivity. Considering the limitations of both procedures, and the necessity to perform multiple evaluations in patients who are in follow-up for bladder cancer, an improved non-invasive methodology is required in the clinical management of this disease. Liquid biopsy, e.g. the detection of clinical biomarkers in urine, represent a promising novel and non-invasive approach that could overcome those limitations and be integrated into the current clinical practice. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of the art of this approach and the latest novelties regarding detection, prognosis and surveillance of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Barone
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Department of Urology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Urology and Renal Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Evelina La Civita
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Oncology Unit, Hospital "Andrea Tortora", ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
- Oncology Unit, Hospital "Andrea Tortora", ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy; Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Jack A Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Pierconti F, Martini M, Cenci T, Fiorentino V, Gianfrancesco LD, Ragonese M, Bientinesi R, Rossi E, Larocca LM, Racioppi M, Bassi PF. The bladder epicheck test and cytology in the follow-up of patients with non-muscle-invasive high grade bladder carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2021; 40:108.e19-108.e25. [PMID: 34903453 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of a bladder tumor consists of adjuvant intravesical therapy and strict and long surveillance with urine cytology and cystoscopy. The Bladder EpiCheck test (Nucleix Ltd) (BE) is a newly developed urinary markers based on DNA methylation changes in a panel of 15 genomic biomarkers, with a promising performance in term of non-invasive NMIBC detection. METHODS In this study we prospectively enrolled 151 consecutive patients with high grade NMIBC, treated with intravesical BCG and mitomycin C therapy and evaluated during the follow-up by voided urine cytology and white-light cystoscopy, according to the European Association of Urology Guidelines. The Bladder EpiCheck test was performed at the same time of urine cytology in voided specimen. In all cases with positive cytology the diagnosis was confirmed by histology and a diagnosis was made according to the 2017 tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification and graded using both the 1973 and the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classifications. RESULTS At three months of follow-up, we reported similar overall specificity rates for BE and urine cytology (85,1% vs 86,3%). In the group of patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS), we found the same specificity for BE and urine cytology (81,4%), while in the groups of patients with papillary high grade NMIBC, the specificity of BE was higher compared to cytology (96,3% vs 90,4%). The sensitivity of BE was always higher compared to cytology during all the follow-up both for papillary NMIBC and CIS. CONCLUSION In the early follow-up of NMIBC the EpiCheck test might replace urinary cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pierconti
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonia Cenci
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Di Gianfrancesco
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ragonese
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bientinesi
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Rossi
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi M Larocca
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Racioppi
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Bassi
- Insititute of Pathology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, L.go A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Arumugam T, Ramphal U, Adimulam T, Chinniah R, Ramsuran V. Deciphering DNA Methylation in HIV Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:795121. [PMID: 34925380 PMCID: PMC8674454 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.795121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With approximately 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally, and a further 1.5 million new global infections per year, it is imperative that we advance our understanding of all factors contributing to HIV infection. While most studies have focused on the influence of host genetic factors on HIV pathogenesis, epigenetic factors are gaining attention. Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism that influences both viral and host factors. This review has five focal points, which examines (i) fluctuations in the expression of methylation modifying factors upon HIV infection (ii) the effect of DNA methylation on HIV viral genes and (iii) host genome (iv) inferences from other infectious and non-communicable diseases, we provide a list of HIV-associated host genes that are regulated by methylation in other disease models (v) the potential of DNA methylation as an epi-therapeutic strategy and biomarker. DNA methylation has also been shown to serve as a robust therapeutic strategy and precision medicine biomarker against diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Despite new drugs being discovered for HIV, drug resistance is a problem in high disease burden settings such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, genetic therapies that are under investigation are irreversible and may have off target effects. Alternative therapies that are nongenetic are essential. In this review, we discuss the potential role of DNA methylation as a novel therapeutic intervention against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilona Arumugam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Upasana Ramphal
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theolan Adimulam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Romona Chinniah
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Laukhtina E, Shim SR, Mori K, D'Andrea D, Soria F, Rajwa P, Mostafaei H, Compérat E, Cimadamore A, Moschini M, Teoh JYC, Enikeev D, Xylinas E, Lotan Y, Palou J, Gontero P, Babjuk M, Witjes JA, Kamat AM, Roupret M, Shariat SF, Pradere B. Diagnostic Accuracy of Novel Urinary Biomarker Tests in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Eur Urol Oncol 2021; 4:927-942. [PMID: 34753702 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT During the past decade, several urinary biomarker tests (UBTs) for bladder cancer have been developed and made commercially available. However, none of these is recommended by international guidelines so far. OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic estimates of novel commercially available UBTs for diagnosis and surveillance of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) using diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) and network meta-analysis (NMA). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to April 2021 to identify studies addressing the diagnostic values of UBTs: Xpert bladder cancer, Adxbladder, Bladder EpiCheck, Uromonitor and Cxbladder Monitor, and Triage and Detect. The primary endpoint was to assess the pooled diagnostic values for disease recurrence in NMIBC patients using a DTA meta-analysis and to compare them with cytology using an NMA. The secondary endpoints were the diagnostic values for high-grade (HG) recurrence as well as for the initial detection of bladder cancer. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Twenty-one studies, comprising 7330 patients, were included in the quantitative synthesis. In most of the studies, there was an unclear risk of bias. For NMIBC surveillance, novel UBTs demonstrated promising pooled diagnostic values with sensitivities up to 93%, specificities up to 84%, positive predictive values up to 67%, and negative predictive value up to 99%. Pooled estimates for the diagnosis of HG recurrence were similar to those for the diagnosis of any-grade recurrence. The analysis of the number of cystoscopies potentially avoided during the follow-up of 1000 patients showed that UBTs might be efficient in reducing the number of avoidable interventions with up to 740 cystoscopies. The NMA revealed that diagnostic values (except specificity) of the novel UBTs were significantly higher than those of cytology for the detection of NMIBC recurrence. There were too little data on UBTs in the primary diagnosis setting to allow a statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses support high diagnostic accuracy of the studied novel UBTs, supporting their utility in the NMIBC surveillance setting. All of these might potentially help prevent unnecessary cystoscopies safely. There are not enough data to reliably assess their use in the primary diagnostic setting. These results have to be confirmed in a larger cohort as well as in head-to-head comparative studies. Nevertheless, our study might help policymakers and stakeholders evaluate the clinical and social impact of the implementation of these tests into daily practice. PATIENT SUMMARY Novel urinary biomarker tests outperform cytology with the potential of improving routine clinical practice by preventing unnecessary cystoscopic examinations during the surveillance of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Laukhtina
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sung Ryul Shim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keiichiro Mori
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David D'Andrea
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Soria
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Studies of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Pawel Rajwa
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Hadi Mostafaei
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Research Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Eva Compérat
- Department of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Marche Polytechnic University, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Moschini
- Department of Urology and Division of Experimental Oncology, Urological Research Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh
- S.H. Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dmitry Enikeev
- Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evanguelos Xylinas
- Department of Urology, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Assistance-Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Yair Lotan
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Juan Palou
- Fundació Puigvert, Department of Urology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Gontero
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Studies of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marko Babjuk
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, Hospital Motol, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Alfred Witjes
- Department of Urology, Radboud University, Nijmegen Heyendaal, The Netherlands
| | - Ashish M Kamat
- Department of Urology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan Roupret
- Urology, GRC n°5, Predictive Onco-Urology, Ap-Hp, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Shahrokh F Shariat
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Urology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Urology, Hospital Motol, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA; Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Benjamin Pradere
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Pierconti F, Martini M, Fiorentino V, Cenci T, Racioppi M, Foschi N, Di Gianfrancesco L, Sacco E, Rossi E, Larocca LM, Bassi PF. Upper urothelial tract high-grade carcinoma: comparison of urine cytology and DNA methylation analysis in urinary samples. Hum Pathol 2021; 118:42-48. [PMID: 34582934 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies showed that bladder urothelial carcinoma and upper urothelial tract carcinoma (UTUC) display clinical and genomic similarities. In order to analyze that the same panel of biomarkers used in the diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma could be suitable for early detection of UTUC, we performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed Bladder EpiCheck scores in the urinary samples obtained by selective ureteral catheterization in a high-grade UTUC cohort, correlating the results with urinary cytology and diagnostic urethral biopsies. The present study represents a retrospective analysis of 82 patients with clinically localized high-grade UTUC (60 renal pelvis UTUC, 22 ureter UTUC) who had undergone a radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) at our Urology department from June 2018 to November 2020. Before any surgical procedure, one sample of urine, obtained by selective ureteral catheterization, was collected for each patient for cytological examination, and the remaining material was stored for the Bladder EpiCheck test. Our results showed that the sensitivity of the methylation test for high-grade UTUC was about 97.4%, significantly higher than the sensitivity of urinary cytology either considering the HGUC cytological diagnosis or including in the positive cases the SHGUC cytological diagnosis (97.4% versus 59% or 70.5%). The methylation analysis of urinary samples may represent a valid tool in the diagnostic process of patients with suspected UTUC. In cases with a difficult clinical decision after upper urinary tract biopsy and cytology, the methylation test could assist in the clinical management of UTUC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pierconti
- Department of Pathology, Insitute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Pathology, Insitute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Pathology, Insitute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Tonia Cenci
- Department of Pathology, Insitute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Marco Racioppi
- Department of Urology, Insitute of Urology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Nazario Foschi
- Department of Urology, Insitute of Urology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Luca Di Gianfrancesco
- Department of Urology, Insitute of Urology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Emilio Sacco
- Department of Urology, Insitute of Urology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Ernesto Rossi
- Department of Oncology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Luigi M Larocca
- Department of Pathology, Insitute of Pathology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Bassi
- Department of Urology, Insitute of Urology, Università Cattolica Del S. Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico "A. Gemelli", Rome, 00138, Italy
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Sharma G, Sharma A, Krishna M, Devana SK, Singh SK. Xpert bladder cancer monitor in surveillance of bladder cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol Oncol 2021; 40:163.e1-163.e9. [PMID: 34535354 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a need for sensitive and specific biomarkers for detecting recurrences in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) on surveillance. Xpert bladder cancer (BC) monitor is the latest rapid in vitro qualitative test that detects expression of 5 mRNAs using a GeneXpert instrument. The primary aim of this review was to systematically review and pool the data regarding the diagnostic performance of Xpert BC in patients with NMIBC. METHODS Systematic literature search using 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMbase, Scopus and Web of science) was performed. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were estimated using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed and the study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021249762). RESULTS In this review, 11 prospective studies with 2,896 patients were included. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for Xpert BC were 73% (95% confidence interval (CI) 65%-80%) and 77% (95% CI 69%-84%) respectively. Area under curve (AUC) for Xpert BC monitor was 0.81 (0.78-0.84) respectively. Subgroup analysis from 7 studies for patients with high-grade recurrence revealed sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 0.86 (0.77-0.92), 0.78 (0.75-0.81) and 0.87 (0.84-0.90) respectively. Similar analysis for patients with low-grade recurrence revealed sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 0.58 (0.47-0.68), 0.79 (0.75-0.82) and 0.79 (0.75-0.82) respectively. CONCLUSION Xpert BC monitor has overall acceptable diagnostic accuracy. Sensitivity is higher for high-grade disease for detecting recurrences in patients with NMIBC on surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Sharma
- Department of Urology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Abhay Sharma
- University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Piao XM, Kang H, Kim WJ, Yun SJ. Prominence of urinary biomarkers for bladder cancer in the COVID-19 era: From the commercially available to new prospective candidates. Investig Clin Urol 2021; 62:500-519. [PMID: 34488250 PMCID: PMC8421991 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20210194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular markers detected in urine may improve our understanding of the evolution of bladder cancer (BCa) and its micro- and macroenvironment. Detection of such markers will identify disease earlier, allow stratification of patients according to risk, and improve prognostication and prediction of outcomes, thereby facilitating targeted therapy. However, current guidelines have yet to embrace such markers for routine management of BCa, and most research studies have focused on urine-based tumor markers. In this review, we summarize known urinary biomarkers for BCa and highlight newly identified molecules. We then discuss the challenges that must be overcome to incorporate these markers into clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Mei Piao
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Howon Kang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Institute of Urotech, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seok Joong Yun
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.
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Humayun-Zakaria N, Ward DG, Arnold R, Bryan RT. Trends in urine biomarker discovery for urothelial bladder cancer: DNA, RNA, or protein? Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:2787-2808. [PMID: 34295762 PMCID: PMC8261432 DOI: 10.21037/tau-20-1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial bladder cancer is a complex disease displaying a landscape of heterogenous molecular subtypes, mutation profiles and clinical presentations. Diagnosis and surveillance rely on flexible cystoscopy which has high accuracy, albeit accompanied by a high-cost burden for healthcare providers and discomfort for patients. Advances in "omic" technologies and computational biology have provided insights into the molecular pathogenesis of bladder cancer and provided powerful tools to identify markers for disease detection, risk stratification, and predicting responses to therapy. To date, numerous attempts have been made to discover and validate diagnostic biomarkers that could be deployed as an adjunct to the cystoscopic diagnosis and long-term surveillance of bladder cancer. We report a comprehensive literature analysis using PubMed to assess the changing trends in investigating DNA, RNA, or proteins as diagnostic urinary biomarkers over a period of 5 decades: 1970-2020. A gradual shift has been observed in research away from protein biomarkers to nucleic acids including different classes of RNA, and DNA methylation and mutation markers. Until 2000, publications involving protein biomarker discovery constituted 87% of the total number of research articles with DNA comprising 6% and RNA 7%. Since 2000 the proportion of protein biomarker articles has fallen to 40%, and DNA and RNA studies increased to 32% and 28%, respectively. Clearly research focus, perhaps driven by technological innovation, has shifted from proteins to nucleic acids. We optimistically hypothesise that, following thorough validation, a clinically useful detection test for bladder cancer based on a panel of DNA or RNA markers could become reality within 5-10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Humayun-Zakaria
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Douglas G Ward
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Roland Arnold
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard T Bryan
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Ferro M, La Civita E, Liotti A, Cennamo M, Tortora F, Buonerba C, Crocetto F, Lucarelli G, Busetto GM, Del Giudice F, de Cobelli O, Carrieri G, Porreca A, Cimmino A, Terracciano D. Liquid Biopsy Biomarkers in Urine: A Route towards Molecular Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine of Bladder Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11030237. [PMID: 33806972 PMCID: PMC8004687 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is characterized by high incidence and recurrence rates together with genomic instability and elevated mutation degree. Currently, cystoscopy combined with cytology is routinely used for diagnosis, prognosis and disease surveillance. Such an approach is often associated with several side effects, discomfort for the patient and high economic burden. Thus, there is an essential demand of non-invasive, sensitive, fast and inexpensive biomarkers for clinical management of BC patients. In this context, liquid biopsy represents a very promising tool that has been widely investigated over the last decade. Liquid biopsy will likely be at the basis of patient selection for precision medicine, both in terms of treatment choice and real-time monitoring of therapeutic effects. Several different urinary biomarkers have been proposed for liquid biopsy in BC, including DNA methylation and mutations, protein-based assays, non-coding RNAs and mRNA signatures. In this review, we summarized the state of the art on different available tests concerning their potential clinical applications for BC detection, prognosis, surveillance and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ferro
- Department of Urology of European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (O.d.C.)
| | - Evelina La Civita
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.L.C.); (A.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonietta Liotti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.L.C.); (A.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Cennamo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.L.C.); (A.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Fabiana Tortora
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- CRTR Rare Tumors Reference Center, AOU Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Environment & Health Operational Unit, Zoo-Prophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Sciences of Reproduction and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Gian Maria Busetto
- Department of Urology and Organ Transplantation, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Ottavio de Cobelli
- Department of Urology of European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.F.); (O.d.C.)
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Ematoncologia-DIPO-Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrieri
- Department of Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.D.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Angelo Porreca
- Department of Urology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, 31033 Padua, Italy;
| | - Amelia Cimmino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.C.); (D.T.); Tel.: +39-81-746-3617 (D.T.)
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.L.C.); (A.L.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: or (A.C.); (D.T.); Tel.: +39-81-746-3617 (D.T.)
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Wolfs JRE, Hermans TJN, Koldewijn EL, van de Kerkhof D. Novel urinary biomarkers ADXBLADDER and bladder EpiCheck for diagnostics of bladder cancer: A review. Urol Oncol 2021; 39:161-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pierconti F, Martini M, Fiorentino V, Cenci T, Capodimonti S, Straccia P, Sacco E, Pugliese D, Cindolo L, Larocca LM, Bassi PF. The combination cytology/epichek test in non muscle invasive bladder carcinoma follow-up: Effective tool or useless expence? Urol Oncol 2021; 39:131.e17-131.e21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lee HH, Kim SH. Review of non-invasive urinary biomarkers in bladder cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:6554-6564. [PMID: 35117265 PMCID: PMC8798424 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the sixth-most prevalent cancer. The standard diagnostic tool of BC is cystoscopy, whereas cystoscopy has several disadvantages in terms of symptomatic invasiveness and operator-dependency. The urinary markers are attractive because the testing is non-invasive and cost-efficient, and sample collection is easy. Urinary marker is thereby a good tool to detect exfoliated tumor cell in the urine samples for the diagnosis and therapeutic surveillance of BC to supplement the limitations of the cystoscopy. However, they are not recommended as a population-based screening tool because of the low rate of BC prevalence. Although both cystoscopy and urine cytology improve BC diagnostic power, the field still needs additional non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Various urinary markers with different mechanisms and different targets have been developed and under investigation in these days. However, the accuracy of the urinary marker including its sensitivity and specificity is the most important factor for the diagnosis and surveillance in cancer that this review deals with multiple FDA-approved and non-FDA approved commercialized urinary markers with their accuracy in different purposes for BC. We then discuss more about the potential candidate targets for the future urinary markers in BC
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Ho Lee
- Department of Urology, Urological Cancer Center, Research Institute and Hospital of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Sung Han Kim
- Department of Urology, Urological Cancer Center, Research Institute and Hospital of National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
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Mancini M, Righetto M, Zumerle S, Montopoli M, Zattoni F. The Bladder EpiCheck Test as a Non-Invasive Tool Based on the Identification of DNA Methylation in Bladder Cancer Cells in the Urine: A Review of Published Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186542. [PMID: 32911596 PMCID: PMC7554931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a great effort to develop tests based on non-invasive urinary biomarkers (NMIBCs). These tests are based on the fact that NMIBCs are heterogeneous at the molecular level and can be divided into different molecular groups useful to predict prognosis and response to treatment. The assessment of epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, represents a promising cancer biomarker. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that affects gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Several studies have highlighted the presence of methylated loci in the context of bladder cancer, indicating its potential application as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. One of the novel assays based on a DNA methylation profile, the Bladder EpiCheck, analyzes DNA from spontaneous urine, detecting disease-specific DNA methylation patterns in bladder cancer patients. This test, due to its non-invasive nature and highly promising performance could, in future, become an invaluable tool in the follow-up of bladder cancer patients. Potential new applications could include diagnosis and surveillance of upper-tract disease, for the replacement of invasive testing and ureteroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Mancini
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Science, Urological Clinic, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.R.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marialaura Righetto
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Science, Urological Clinic, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.R.); (F.Z.)
| | - Sara Zumerle
- Department of Medicine, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Filiberto Zattoni
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Science, Urological Clinic, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.R.); (F.Z.)
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Current status of development of methylation biomarkers for in vitro diagnostic IVD applications. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:100. [PMID: 32631437 PMCID: PMC7336678 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00886-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant volume of research clearly shows that disease-related methylation changes can be used as biomarkers at all stages of clinical disease management, including risk assessment and predisposition screening through early diagnostics to personalization of patient care and monitoring of the relapse and chronic disease. Thus disease-related methylation changes are an attractive source of the biomarkers that can have significant impact on precision medicine. However, the translation of the research findings in methylation biomarkers field to clinical practice is at the very least not satisfactory. That is mainly because the evidence generated in research studies indicating the utility of the disease-related methylation change to predict clinical outcome is in majority of the cases not sufficient to postulate the diagnostic use of the biomarker. The research studies need to be followed by well-designed and systematic investigations of clinical utility of the biomarker that produce data of sufficient quality to meet regulatory approval for the test to be used to make clinically valid decision. In this review, we describe methylation-based IVD tests currently approved for IVD use or at the advanced stages of the development for the diagnostic use. For each of those tests, we analyze the technologies that the test utilizes for methylation detection as well as describe the types of the clinical studies that were performed to show clinical validity of the test and warrant regulatory approval. The examples reviewed here should help with planning of clinical investigations and delivery of the clinical evidence required for the regulatory approval of potential methylation biomarker based IVD tests.
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Trenti E, Pycha S, Mian C, Schwienbacher C, Hanspeter E, Kafka M, Spedicato GA, Vjaters E, Degener S, Pycha A, D'Elia C. Comparison of 2 new real-time polymerase chain reaction-based urinary markers in the follow-up of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:341-347. [PMID: 31977131 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of the current study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 2 new real-time polymerase chain reaction-based urinary markers with each other and with urinary cytology, cystoscopy, and/or histology in patients being followed for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. METHODS A total of 487 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated using voided urine cytology, the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor, the Bladder EpiCheck test, and white light cystoscopy. RESULTS The overall sensitivity was 27.17% for cytology, 64.13% for the Bladder EpiCheck test, and 66.3% for the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor. The overall specificity was 98.82% for cytology, 82.06% for the Bladder EpiCheck test, and 76.47% for the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor. The negative predictive value was very similar for the 3 tests at 83.56% for cytology, 89.42% for the Bladder EpiCheck test, and 89.35% for the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor. When combined, the Bladder EpiCheck test and Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor detected overall 79.35% of the tumors: 70.37% in low-grade and 92.11% in high-grade tumors. CONCLUSIONS The Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor and Bladder EpiCheck test were found to perform very well in terms of sensitivity. Together, the 2 tests detected approximately 92.11% of high-grade tumors. Their specificity was high but could not reach the excellent value of cytology. The negative predictive value was the same for both tests and was higher than that for cytology, especially when the tests were used together (92.24%). These 2 new tests hold promise as urinary biomarkers. They may be used in combination to maximize sensitivity in a less invasive way, thereby reducing invasiveness in the follow-up of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and decreasing discomfort for the patients as well as complications and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Trenti
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Stefan Pycha
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Christine Mian
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Esther Hanspeter
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mona Kafka
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Egils Vjaters
- Department of Urology, Riga Stradins University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - Stephan Degener
- Department of Urology, Helios-Clinic Wuppertal, Witten Herdecke University, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Armin Pycha
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy.,Medical School, Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carolina D'Elia
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
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Batista R, Vinagre N, Meireles S, Vinagre J, Prazeres H, Leão R, Máximo V, Soares P. Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Surveillance: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10010039. [PMID: 31941070 PMCID: PMC7169395 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer in the world, with a steady rise in its incidence and prevalence, and is accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality. BC is a complex disease with several molecular and pathological pathways, thus reflecting different behaviors depending on the clinical staging of the tumor and molecular type. Diagnosis and monitoring of BC is mainly performed by invasive tests, namely periodic cystoscopies; this procedure, although a reliable method, is highly uncomfortable for the patient and it is not exempt of comorbidities. Currently, there is no formal indication for the use of molecular biomarkers in clinical practice, even though there are several tests available. There is an imperative need for a clinical non-invasive testing for early detection, disease monitoring, and treatment response in BC. In this review, we aim to assess and compare different tests based on molecular biomarkers and evaluate their potential role as new molecules for bladder cancer diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment response monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Batista
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- U-Monitor Lda, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vinagre
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Meireles
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Centre of S. João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- U-Monitor Lda, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Prazeres
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- U-Monitor Lda, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Pathology Service, Portuguese Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil (IPO-Coimbra), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Leão
- Urology department, Hospital de Braga, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal;
- Urology department, Hospital CUF Coimbra, 3000-600 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Valdemar Máximo
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- i3S–Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (R.B.); (N.V.); (S.M.); (J.V.); (H.P.); (V.M.)
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-570-700
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Lv S, Yu J, Zhao Y, Li H, Zheng F, Liu N, Li D, Sun X. A Microfluidic Detection System for Bladder Cancer Tumor Cells. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10120871. [PMID: 31835793 PMCID: PMC6952778 DOI: 10.3390/mi10120871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The clinical characteristics of excreted tumor cells can be found in the urine of bladder cancer patients, meaning the identification of tumor cells in urine can assist in bladder cancer diagnosis. The presence of white blood cells and epithelial cells in the urine interferes with the recognition of tumor cells. In this paper, a technique for detecting cancer cells in urine based on microfluidics provides a novel approach to bladder cancer diagnosis. The bladder cancer cell line (T24) and MeT-5A were used as positive bladder tumor cells and non-tumor cells, respectively. The practicality of the tumor cell detection system based on microfluidic cell chip detection technology is discussed. The tumor cell (T24) concentration was around 1 × 104 to 300 × 104 cells/mL. When phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was the diluted solution, the tumor cell detected rate was 63–71% and the detection of tumor cell number stability (coefficient of variation, CV%) was 6.7–4.1%, while when urine was the diluted solution, the tumor cell detected rate was 64–72% and the detection of tumor cell number stability (CV%) was 6.3–3.9%. In addition, both PBS and urine are tumor cell dilution fluid solutions. The sample was analyzed at a speed of 750 microns per hour. Based on the above experiments, a system for detecting bladder cancer cells in urine by microfluidic analysis chip technology was reported. The rate of recognizing bladder cancer cells reached 68.4%, and the speed reached 2 mL/h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxing Lv
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China; (S.L.); (J.Y.); (F.Z.)
| | - Jinwei Yu
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China; (S.L.); (J.Y.); (F.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; (Y.Z.); (H.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Hongxiang Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; (Y.Z.); (H.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Fang Zheng
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China; (S.L.); (J.Y.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ning Liu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore;
| | - Dahua Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China; (Y.Z.); (H.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Xuguo Sun
- School of Medical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China; (S.L.); (J.Y.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-022-83336063
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