Researchers Discovered a New Urine Test for Diagnosing Early Kidney Cancer

In 2009, 57,600 people (35,430 men & 22,330 Women) in the United States diagnosed with kidney cancer. 1 In the same year, National Cancer Institute reported 11,033 kidney cancer deaths. 7 Most Kidney cancer patients 60 - 80 years old. "The cause of kidney cancer is unknown." 1 Majority of kidney cancers (80%) diagnosed during a CT scan or ultrasound test, when a physician orders the test for unrelated stomach discomfort. When kidney cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is more successful for a full recovery. Researchers reported in 2009, a new urine test for diagnosing kidney cancer, especially in the early stage, when recovery is more favorable. Also, the test verifies the absent of tumors removed from kidneys by measuring the levels of two proteins. 2

Two kidneys in the human body, located just below the rib cage, middle of the back and one on each side of the spine are vital organs: Keep blood clean and maintain normal chemical balance in the body. The anatomy of the kidney has millions of nephrons 3: "Its chief function is to regulate the concentration of water and soluble substances like sodium salts by filtering the blood, reabsorbing what is needed and excreting the rest in urine (Excess amount of fluid and wastes pass through ducks leading to the ureter and bladder as urine. 5). " 45 Also, kidney's function to produce two important hormones (Erythropoetin and Renin). The production of Erythropoetin informs the bone marrow to make more red blood cells (carry oxygen in the blood), when less oxygen is detected. 5 Kidneys produce Renin hormone during exercise, stress, low blood pressure and reduction in blood flow. The hormone functions to increase sodium and maintain normal plasma volume. "Overproduction of renin can cause hypertension." 6 When kidneys fail to function normally, dialysis or artificial replacement is necessary, remove waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, as well maintain normal chemical balance in the blood. 11 Excess amount of water is excreted through urine by the function of the kidney. Less than normal urine output is linked to dehydration.

Two most common types of kidney cancer: Renal Cell Cancer (Ninety percent begin in the lining of the renal tubules in the kidney, where blood is filtered and produce urine.) and transitional cell cancer (Least common kidney cancer, stem from the cells lining the kidney). 9 Currently 80 percent of diagnosed kidney cancer patients die within the first two years and more than 95 percent die within five years, result of the cancer metastasizes to other organs (The fourth and final stage of diagnosed cancer 10). 2

Early detection of kidney cancer would save more lives, starting treatment sooner. 2: "People with kidney cancer may have surgery, arterial embolization, radiation therapy, biological therapy or chemotherapy. Some may have a combination of treatments." 8

Mayo Clinic Proceedings published online in May 2010, researchers at Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis describe identifying a pair of elevated (large amounts) measurements of proteins (Aquaaporin-1 (AQP1) and Adipophilin (ADFP)) among selected urine secreted samples (Total of 42 urine samples examined, including patients diagnosed with kidney disease, non-cancer surgical patients, and healthy volunteers), 90 percent accurately linked to kidney cancers. The absent of elevated AQP1 and ADFP proteins: Among clinical patients who are healthy or patients tested prior to non-cancer surgery. When kidney cancer tumors are removed, levels of these proteins where no longer detected in urine samples or declined rapidly. Co-Researcher Jeremiah J. Morrisssey, PHD said: "Screening patients to find kidney cancer when it is still small and treatable could save a number of lives and preserve kidney function in many people. It also may represent the difference between losing an entire kidney or extracting only a tumor while sparing healthy portions of the organ." Further tests will determine if elevated protein levels (AQP1 and ADFP) present in other types of kidney diseases. Also, establishing a correlation between levels of proteins detected to the actual size of the kidney tumors. 2

Investigators Morrissey and Evan D. Kharasch, MD, PHD that discovered the proteins Aquaaporin-1 and Adipophilin filed a patent use application, through Washington University's Office of Technology Management. 2

When the Food and Drug Administration approves urine test screening for the proteins Aquaaporin-1 and Adipophilin for kidney cancer, during a routine doctor's visit or health check-up: More lives could be saved by starting treatment early, especially when kidney cancer is detected sooner, besides health cost savings. When elevated levels of the proteins are not detected, a kidney biopsy may not be necessary.

References:

1.) Kidney Cancer Home - http://kidneycancerhome.com/

2.) A Step Closer to Developing a Urine Test for Kidney Cancer - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184821.php

3.) The Kidneys and How They Work - http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/

4.) Nephron - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephron

5.) Kidney - http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney

6.) renin - http://www.answers.com/topic/renin

7.) Kindey Cancer - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/kidney

8.) What You Need to Know About Kidney Cancer - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/kidney/page8

9.) Kidney Cancer - Early Stage - http://www.nccn.com/kidney_cancer_early_stage.aspx

10.) Cancer Staging Guide - http://www.nccn.com/cancer_staging.aspx

11.) dialysis - http://www.answers.com/topic/kidney-dialysis