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In a world-first breakthrough, researchers at the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Ljiljana Fruk and Dr. Daniel Munoz Espin, have developed a urine test that could detect lung cancer at its earliest stages. Funded by a £88,000 grant, the test identifies "zombie" cells—senescent cells that, while no longer dividing, can alter their environment and create conditions that allow cancer to develop. By catching these changes early, the test could enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer sooner, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
The innovative approach involves injecting a specially designed protein probe into the body. If senescent cells are present in the lungs, they release a specific protein that cuts the probe into two pieces. One of these fragments then travels to the kidneys and is excreted in urine. To detect the presence of these fragments, scientists add a silver-based solution to the urine sample, causing a colour change—similar to the development process in analogue photography. This visual shift provides a simple yet effective way to indicate the presence of early cancer-related changes in lung tissue.
So far, the test has been successfully trialled in mice, and researchers are preparing for human trials. If proven effective, it could offer a cheaper and more accessible alternative to lung cancer screening scans, which are currently used in targeted screening programs in England. Beyond lung cancer, the research team is also exploring ways to adapt the technology for detecting other cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and melanoma, potentially revolutionizing early cancer detection.
