Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University, led by Joseph Reiner, have made significant progress toward developing a urine-based test for early detection of ovarian cancer. This innovative study, set to be presented at the 68th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in February 2024, focuses on simplifying and improving peptide detection in urine to identify ovarian cancer more efficiently.
Previous studies identified thousands of peptides in the urine of ovarian cancer patients, but traditional detection methods are often expensive and complex. Reiner’s team turned to nanopore sensing, a cutting-edge technique that passes molecules through microscopic pores and measures changes in electrical current to identify their properties.
To enhance nanopore technology for detecting ovarian cancer, the researchers incorporated gold nanoparticles, which partially block the pores. Peptides from the urine interact with the gold particles, creating unique electrical current signatures that function like molecular fingerprints. In their study, the team identified and analyzed 13 specific peptides, including those linked to LRG-1, a biomarker commonly found in ovarian cancer patients.
By recognizing these distinctive signatures, the method has the potential to detect multiple peptides simultaneously, improving diagnostic accuracy. Early detection is crucial, as clinical data indicates a 50-75% improvement in 5-year survival rates when cancers are identified in their earliest stages.
The ultimate goal of the research is to integrate this urine-based test with other diagnostic tools, such as CA-125 blood tests, transvaginal ultrasounds, and family medical histories, to enhance early-stage ovarian cancer detection. This promising approach could significantly improve patient outcomes, offering a more accessible and cost-effective method for identifying ovarian cancer at its most treatable stage.
