A urine-based diagnostic test that the NHS has been evaluating demonstrated the ability to identify over 92% of bladder cancer cases in a clinical trial, according to findings published in European Urology Oncology. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with diagnostics company Nonacus, enrolled approximately 1,000 patients across seven hospital sites in England and Scotland. When the test returned a negative result, it indicated a greater than 99% likelihood that bladder cancer was not present.
The test, called Galeas, works by detecting genetic material that cancer cells release into urine. The diagnostic tool screens for more than 450 DNA mutations associated with bladder cancer across 23 genes. Researchers believe the test could help reduce unnecessary invasive procedures. Currently, over 300,000 cystoscopies—procedures involving insertion of a small camera through the urethra into the bladder—are performed annually in the UK, with some areas experiencing significant waiting lists for the procedure.
While the urine test is not intended to replace cystoscopies entirely, it could help clinicians prioritize patients at higher risk for urgent procedures rather than having them wait for testing. The test was originally developed at the University of Birmingham with support from Cancer Research UK. Through a licensing arrangement, Nonacus commercialized the test and shares revenue with the University and the research charity.
Experts indicated that further research is necessary before wider implementation. Prof Richard Bryan from Birmingham University noted the significance of observing strong performance in a real-world patient population after years of development. Officials from Cancer Research UK emphasized that faster and less invasive diagnostic approaches are needed to address delays in bladder cancer diagnosis. Bladder cancer is more prevalent in men over age 60, with blood in the urine being the primary symptom.
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