Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a urine test that could predict lung cancer years before symptoms appear, potentially leading to an NHS rollout within five years. The test identifies so-called 'zombie cells' – senescent cells that stop dividing but refuse to die, releasing harmful chemicals that can trigger cancer.
How the test works
The researchers identified a protein produced by zombie cells and created a 'sensor' that, when injected, interacts with this protein to release a detectable compound into urine. This signals the presence of senescent cells, which are linked to early-stage lung cancer development. The test has been validated using human tissue samples and is now moving toward clinical trials.
Impact on lung cancer detection
Lung cancer claims around 33,000 lives annually in the UK, largely because most cases are diagnosed late. Professor Ljiljana Fruk from Cambridge University stated: 'We hope to see this simple test working in real patients and rolled out across the NHS within the next five years, making a real difference to people at risk of this devastating disease.'
Patrick Keely from Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, commented: 'With new technologies opening doors to new discoveries, we're living in a golden age of research, which is powerfully underlined by this innovative new urine test to detect early lung cancer.'
Future applications
Researchers believe the sensor could also detect other lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and may be adapted for other cancers. Professor Daniel Munoz-Espin added: 'Our urine nano sensor may allow primary care detection of therapy resistance and lung cancer early development in future clinical settings.'
