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. Doctors use these pictures to find and understand diseases.
Non-invasive -: Non-invasive means that the method does not require surgery or entering the body. It is usually safer and more comfortable for patients.
Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma -: This is a type of kidney cancer that is very common. It starts in the cells of the kidney that help filter blood.
Monoclonal antibody drug -: A monoclonal antibody drug is a special medicine made to target specific proteins in the body. It helps in finding or treating diseases like cancer.
89Zr-TLX250 -: 89Zr-TLX250 is a special drug used in imaging to find cancer cells. It attaches to a protein called CA9 found in some cancer cells.
CA9 protein -: CA9 is a protein that is often found in cancer cells. It helps doctors identify and target cancer during imaging.
Metastasis -: Metastasis is when cancer spreads from one part of the body to another. It makes the disease more serious and harder to treat.