Researchers at the University of Minnesota are closer to developing a simple urine test to identify smokers who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. Although the test is still years away, the hope is to spot high-risk people earlier when there is still time to prevent or treat the cancer, says Jian-Min Yuan, MD, associate professor of cancer epidemiology at the University.

UroToday.com – Overactive bladder is a key battleground for the pharmaceutical industry and an area of considerable significance to health delivery systems. Given the substantial effects on quality of life, patients are understandably keen for therapeutic strategies which are effective without the significant side effects of anticholinergic drugs. Finally, clinicians have to deal with refractory urinary urgency, which constitutes a significant burden. Published evidence appears to set a confident and positive outlook; a range of effective anticholinergic drugs is available, whilst botulinum toxin is perceived to mop up those who remain bothered despite conservative and medical management.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation for Research and Development has developed a new diagnostic tool for the detection and monitoring of bladder cancer. The current tests for bladder cancer have an accuracy rate of only 40%, whereas the new test has established 90% accuracy (100% specificity). The new tool that tests human urine samples confirms the efficacy of a newly discovered cell receptor in diagnosing bladder cancer.