Researchers have published findings on a urine-based diagnostic test that shows promise for identifying bladder cancer cases. The study, led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with diagnostics company Nonacus, evaluated the test across seven hospitals in England and Scotland with involvement from nearly 1,000 patients. Results were published in European Urology Oncology.
The Galeas urine test identified 92% of bladder cancer cases in the NHS trial. When the test returned a negative result, there was more than a 99% chance the patient did not have bladder cancer. The test works by detecting genetic material shed into urine by bladder cancer cells, examining more than 450 DNA mutations associated with the disease across 23 genes. It was originally developed by the University of Birmingham with funding from Cancer Research UK.
Researchers indicate the test could reduce reliance on cystoscopies, more invasive procedures that involve inserting a small camera through the urethra into the bladder. More than 300,000 cystoscopies are performed annually in the UK, with significant waiting lists in some areas. While the urine test would not replace cystoscopies entirely, it could help clinicians prioritize patients at higher risk for urgent procedures rather than having them wait for testing.
The test has been commercialised by Nonacus under a licensing agreement, with the company returning part of revenues to the University of Birmingham and Cancer Research UK. Researchers note that further evaluation through larger trials would be necessary before broader implementation. Health officials emphasize that early detection and treatment of bladder cancer improves outcomes, and that reducing diagnostic delays remains an important public health goal.
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