The test is able to distinguish between different cancer grades, aiding men in evading unnecessary biopsies.
Conventional methods of prostate cancer screening include blood tests, MRI scans, and biopsies.
However, besides being uncomfortable, some of these methods may lead to the overdiagnosis of low-grade cancers.
A recent study from researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center has clinically confirmed a previously developed urine test that could potentially avoid these invasive procedures for men who are less likely to benefit from them.
Prostate cancers are classified according to their Gleason Grade or Grade Group.
Cancers classified as Gleason 3+4=7, or Grade Group 2, or above are more prone to growth and harmful effects compared to Gleason 6 or Grade Group 1, which are regarded as non-aggressive.
The urine test, named MyProstateScore 2.0, or MPS2, examines 18 different genes associated with high-grade prostate cancer.
The researchers previously showed that this test was effective in identifying cancers categorized as GG2 or higher, aiding patients in avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
In that earlier study, urine samples were taken following a digital rectal examination.
“The procedure compresses the prostate, which releases cellular debris into the urine sample that the patient provides afterward,” explained Ganesh S. Palapattu, M.D., a urology professor.
This examination method may not be suitable for many individuals and may involve some discomfort.
Exploring a potential at-home test
In the current study, the team adjusted the urine collection method so that the MPS2 test could identify prostate cancer markers without a preceding rectal exam.
By using urine samples from a group of 266 men who did not undergo this exam, the researchers discovered that the test could identify 94% of GG2 or higher cancers and exhibited greater sensitivity than blood tests.
Moreover, the team employed mathematical models to illustrate that implementing MPS2 could have prevented up to 53% of unnecessary biopsies.
“These findings indicate that MPS2 has potential as an at-home testing option,” stated Palapattu.
“The main advantage is that the test can reliably predict the likelihood of developing aggressive prostate cancer, providing reassurance to both the patient and the physician.”
Moreover, MPS2 could help patients save money on healthcare, as it is significantly less expensive than MRI scans.
The researchers aim to conduct further studies to validate their findings with a larger and more diverse group of men.
They are also keen to evaluate the test’s effectiveness in monitoring men with low-risk prostate cancer.
“MPS2 may enhance patient health by preventing overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments while allowing us to concentrate on those at higher risk for aggressive cancers,” Palapattu noted.
MPS2 is currently available through Lynx Dx, a spin-off from the University of Michigan, which holds the exclusive license to commercialize the test. Patients seeking more information can contact the Michigan Medicine Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.
