American scientists have discovered several proteins in the urine that appear at an early stage of kidney cancer. This analysis will indicate with 90% accuracy on the presence of a tumor in the body, say the researchers.

Currently, it is impossible to detect renal cancer at an early stage, because most tumors are detected accidentally during MRI or ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Kidney cancer is considered silent and deadly, as 80% of patients die within two years after diagnosis, and more than 95% in the next five years.

Scientists conducted a study in which they studied the samples of 42 patients with kidney cancer and 15 people without cancer, but who underwent surgery. Also, specialists studied the analysis of 19 people from the control group. It turned out that the level of two proteins (aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and adipofilin (ADFP)) in the urine of cancer patients was markedly elevated. In the urine of healthy people, as well as patients who underwent kidney surgeries, the proteins were normal. Their amount was equalized after removal of the kidney tumor.

Experts believe that early diagnosis of cancer will save lives and working kidneys in patients. However, it is necessary to conduct large-scale studies to find out at what stage proteins are allowed to be diagnosed. Also researchers are going to find a correspondence between protein concentration and tumor size.

Medicinform. Net.