A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Phage Biosensor for the Classification of Metastatic Urological Cancers from Urine
Authors: Juusti, Vilhelmiina; Rannikko, Antti; Laurila, Anu; Sundvall, Maria; Hänninen, Pekka; Kulpakko, Janne
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Life
Journal name in source: Life
Article number: 600
Volume: 14
Issue: 5
ISSN: 2075-1729
eISSN: 2075-1729
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050600
Web address : https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/5/600
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/404623606
Most of the annual 10 million cancer-related deaths are caused by metastatic disease. Survival rates for cancer are strongly dependent on the type of cancer and its stage at detection. Early detection remains a challenge due to the lack of reliable biomarkers and cost-efficient screening methods. Phage biosensors can offer a solution for early detection using non-invasive liquid biopsies. Here, we report the first results of the bifunctional phage biosensor to detect metastatic urological cancers from urine. A dye-sensitized phage library was used to select metastasis-related phage binders. After selection rounds, the most promising phage candidate was used to classify metastatic cancer from controls. Additionally, we applied one chemical sensor (phenoxazine non-fluorescent dye) to classify cancer from urine. A statistical significance (p = 0.0002) was observed between metastatic and non-metastatic cancer, with sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 79%. Furthermore, the chemical sensor demonstrated significance in detecting cancer (p < 0.0001) with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 75%. Our data suggest a new promising field for urine biomarker research, and further evaluation with prospectively collected samples is ongoing. In conclusion, we report, for the first time, the potential of a chemical- and phage-based biosensor method to detect metastatic cancer using urine.
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Funding information in the publication:
This research was funded by Aqsens Health Ltd. (Turku, Finland).
