Urine as a game-changing liquid biopsy in cancer biomarker detection

We recently had the opportunity to interview Professor Patrick Pauwels, head of the laboratory of molecular pathology and co-director of CORE (Center for Oncological Research), a joint oncology research platform with the University of Antwerp.  
Professor Pauwels has a principle interest in biomarker research in oncology, with a particular focus on liquid biopsies. 

You can listen to the full interview through our podcast: 

Here are some of the key highlights from our discussion: 

Early detection of cancer can greatly increase chances of survival and improve overall quality of life. Traditionally, a tissue biopsy is the common approach to diagnose many cancers. However, obtaining a tissue sample is difficult and not always possible.  In this podcast, we discuss the potential of liquid biopsies, in particular urine as a sample type in the field of cancer research, especially when tissue is an issue.  The podcast also highlights URODETECT, a collaborative project between CORE and Novosanis, which focuses on investigating urinary biomarkers for prostate and breast cancer using the Colli-Pee^® device. Colli-Pee^® allows volumetric and standardized collection of first-void urine. 

Tune in to hear Professor Pauwels’ view on some of the following questions: 

• Why is biomarker research playing an important role in clinical cancer research? 

• Why are you particularly interested in liquid biopsies? 

• From your experience in the clinic, how do patients react if they can be helped by means of a liquid biopsy rather than the standard alternatives? 

• What are the different types of liquid biopsies?  

• Are all liquid biopsy types equal? Do you see an advantage of using urine? 

• What are the goals of URODETECT? What do you expect from this project? 

• What will be the impact of URODETECT on cancer research and treatment?