A simple urine test could detect a deadly brain tumour that can kill within 12 months, scientists have discovered. The test carried out routinely in check-ups could spot signs of glioma in its early stages when it is most treatable.
And the inventors believe the same technique could be used to spot early signs of other hard-to-detect cancers. Most sufferers aren't aware of their brain tumour until they get symptoms such as paralysis of the limbs.
But now, researchers have found a way of capturing cancer DNA using nanowires in urine which will give patients vital extra time. Led by a team at Japan's Nagoya University, scientists were able to successfully detect IDH1 mutation, a characteristic genetic mutation of gliomas.
