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Non-invasive urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer


Authors: Barbora Žemličková 1;  Antonín Brisuda 2
Authors‘ workplace: Urologické oddělení, Klaudiánova nemocnice, Oblastní nemocnice Mladá Boleslav, a. s., nemocnice Středočeského kraje 1;  Urologická klinika 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha 2
Published in: Ces Urol 2025; 29(2): 76-85
Category: Review article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccu2025011

Overview

Non-invasive urinary biomarkers represent a promising alternative to current diagnostic methods for bladder cancer. This study aims to present the main available biomarkers, evaluate their benefits, and assess their potential use in diagnosis and patient monitoring.

Bladder tumors are a common disease worldwide. They are often recurrent tumors requiring long-term monitoring, making them highly prevalent. The primary diagnostic method is cystoscopy, which is also essential for follow-up. In both cases – diagnosis and surveillance – an invasive method is used, carrying a significant risk of complications. The only recommended non-invasive examination is urine cytology.

The limitations of cystoscopy and urine cytology drive research into various non-invasive urinary biomarkers to find a test that is sufficiently sensitive and specific for use not only in diagnosing but also in monitoring bladder tumors. Several biomarkers associated with bladder cancer have already been introduced to the market. This article presents the main representatives of non-invasive biomarkers and their potential applications.

Keywords:

bladder cancer – non-invasive diagnosis – non-invasive biomarker


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