UCLA Researchers Develop New Imaging Technology for Kidney Cancer Detection
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new non-invasive imaging technology to detect clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. This breakthrough, published in The Lancet Oncology, could reduce unnecessary procedures and ensure timely treatment for patients.
Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Brian Shuch, director of the Kidney Cancer Program at UCLA, emphasized the importance of early detection. “If kidney cancer is diagnosed late, survival chances drop significantly,” he said. Early detection can lead to a 90% survival rate for at least five years.
About Kidney Cancer
Renal cell carcinomas account for 90% of solid kidney tumors, with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma being the most common and deadly. Traditional imaging methods often struggle to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, leading to unnecessary surgeries or delayed treatment.
New Imaging Method
The new method uses a monoclonal antibody drug, 89Zr-TLX250, which targets the CA9 protein found in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. In a phase 3 trial involving 332 patients, the method showed high accuracy with 85.5% sensitivity and 87.0% specificity.
Future Implications
Dr. Shuch believes this imaging could become a new standard in kidney cancer diagnostics. The team is also exploring its potential to detect other types of kidney cancers and monitor high-risk patients for metastasis.
Doubts Revealed
UCLA -: UCLA stands for the University of California, Los Angeles. It is a famous university in the United States known for its research and education.
Imaging Technology -: Imaging technology refers to tools and methods used to create pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures help doctors see what’s happening inside without surgery.
Kidney Cancer -: Kidney cancer is a disease where cells in the kidney grow uncontrollably. The kidneys are organs that help clean the blood and make urine.
Non-invasive -: Non-invasive means that the method does not require surgery or entering the body. It is usually safer and less painful for patients.
Monoclonal Antibody Drug -: A monoclonal antibody drug is a special medicine made to target specific proteins in the body. It helps in treating diseases like cancer by attacking only the bad cells.
89Zr-TLX250 -: 89Zr-TLX250 is a type of monoclonal antibody drug used in the new imaging technology. It helps in finding cancer cells by attaching to a specific protein.
CA9 Protein -: CA9 protein is a substance found on the surface of some cancer cells. It can be used as a marker to identify and target cancer cells.
Phase 3 Trial -: A phase 3 trial is a large study to test how well a new treatment works and how safe it is. It involves many patients and is one of the final steps before a treatment can be approved for general use.
Metastasis -: Metastasis is when cancer spreads from its original place to other parts of the body. Detecting it early can help in better treatment and outcomes.