Dr Francois-Michel Boisvert and his team of cancer researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke have an impressive goal – to transform the experiences of people with bladder cancer. And, with a new simple, pain-free test, they are close to achieving it.
Bladder cancer is usually found via imaging, which involves inserting a camera through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
To spare people this painful and invasive procedure, Dr Boisvert and his team are creating a new bladder cancer test that only requires a urine sample. The test can be used to diagnose cancer or to check how treatment is going.
“A test like this would significantly improve the lives of bladder cancer patients, who currently go through this procedure every three months,” explains Dr Boisvert. “Some patients even refuse it. For them, any alternative test would be better than nothing.”
Bladder imaging isn’t just uncomfortable for people with cancer; it can also be costly and inconvenient. The test is usually performed in the hospital by a specialist, which requires time, travel and healthcare resources.
“There is a strong incentive to develop a rapid test to improve patients’ lives and lighten the burden on doctors and the healthcare system,” Dr Boisvert adds.
This team of researchers have identified 4 proteins in urine that signal the presence of cancer. Now, they are testing and validating their discovery in a group of about 1,000 patients. So far, the results are very promising. Based on early findings, the team has already begun designing a rapid test kit that people can use privately and comfortably at home.
“It’s great to see the high demand for this innovation,” Dr Boisvert concludes. “We are excited to offer something that will truly benefit patients.”
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