High Cotinine Levels Predict Bladder Cancer Recurrence, Study Finds
A groundbreaking study has found that high levels of cotinine, a nicotine by-product, could predict the recurrence of cancer. The research, a collaboration between several prestigious institutions, suggests cotinine could serve as a cheaper and less invasive biomarker than current methods.
The study, published in the Journal of Urology, analysed 135 patients with low-risk cancer. It discovered that heavy smokers, defined by cotinine levels over 550 ng/ml, had a recurrence rate of 75%. This was significantly higher than the 18% rate among moderate smokers. Even some patients who claimed to be non-smokers or moderate smokers exhibited cotinine levels consistent with heavy smoking.
Researchers believe cotinine could be detected using a simple urine test, replacing the invasive and costly cystoscopies currently used for monitoring. Dr. Laura Smith, lead author from the University of Michigan, stated, 'Cotinine is a robust marker for tobacco smoke exposure, and our findings suggest it could also signal cancer recurrence.'
The study, a joint effort by the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, the Karolinska Institute, and other international collaborators, opens avenues for improved cancer management. Further investigations are underway at sites including Mayo Clinic, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Helsinki University Hospital. If confirmed, cotinine testing could revolutionise cancer monitoring, offering a cheaper, less invasive, and potentially more accurate method.
