A new urine-based liquid biopsy has demonstrated higher accuracy in detecting bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers compared to traditional diagnostic methods. According to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Singapore Conference in June 2026, the test identifies genetic fragments shed by tumors into urine, offering a non-invasive alternative to biopsies and endoscopic procedures.
Accuracy of Urine Liquid Biopsy in Urological Cancers
The research, conducted by Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Lucence, and the Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), focused on 120 participants aged 40 and older. The findings indicate that urine liquid biopsies can detect cancer-associated changes in 92.3 per cent of bladder cancer cases. This significantly outperforms conventional urine cytology, which relies on pathologists identifying cells under a microscope. Data shows that the liquid biopsy method identified high-risk cases seven out of 10 times, whereas traditional cytology detected only three out of 10.
For prostate cancer, the efficacy of the test is tied to RNA analysis. Researchers found that by analyzing RNA molecules, detection rates jumped to 40 per cent, a substantial increase from the 6.7 per cent rate achieved when testing only for DNA. While kidney cancer detection also improved, the sensitivity remains more modest at 14.3 per cent.
Did you know?
Urine liquid biopsy works by identifying microscopic genetic fragments—specifically circulating DNA and RNA—that tumors shed into the urinary tract. This allows for a non-invasive profile of organ activity.
Reducing Barriers to Cancer Screening
Kenneth Chen, a senior consultant in the department of urology at SGH and the study’s principal investigator, noted that patient reluctance often stems from the invasive nature of standard diagnostic procedures. Digital rectal examinations for prostate cancer are not only uncomfortable for patients but, according to Chen, often fail to detect more than half of early prostate cancers.
By shifting toward a urine-based screening, clinicians hope to increase patient compliance. “We hope a single, simple, non-invasive screening method like a urine test that many are familiar with will lead to more proactive screening,” Chen said. The test serves as an alternative to blood draws or endoscopic checks, which are currently standard for bladder and kidney cancer investigations.
Path Toward Clinical Deployment
While the initial results are promising, the technology is currently in the validation phase. Weng Ruifen, CEO of DxD Hub, emphasized that the collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for translating this science into a practical, clinically deployable product. Future research will focus on larger cohorts to validate the approach and determine which patient populations benefit most from this screening method.
The timeline for when this test will be available in routine clinical settings remains dependent on these upcoming optimization studies and further regulatory development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a urine liquid biopsy differ from urine cytology?
Urine cytology requires a pathologist to visually inspect urine samples under a microscope to find cancer cells. In contrast, a liquid biopsy analyzes microscopic genetic fragments (DNA and RNA) shed by tumors, which can lead to higher detection rates for early-stage cancers.
Is this test currently available for all patients?
No. According to the DxD Hub, the technology is still in the validation phase and is not yet a standard, widely available clinical product.
Which cancers can be detected using this method?
The study specifically evaluated the effectiveness of the biopsy for bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers due to their proximity to the urinary tract.
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