Influencing Factors on the Oncuria™ Urinalysis Assay: An Experimental Model

Abstract

Background: The Oncuria™ urine test for the detection of bladder cancer measures a multiplex protein signature. In this study, we investigated the influence of urinary cellularity, protein, and hematuria on the performance of the Oncuria™ test in an ex vivo experimental model. Materials and Methods: Pooled urine from healthy subjects was spiked with cultured benign (UROtsa) or malignant cells (T24), cellular proteins, or whole blood. The resulting samples were analyzed using the Oncuria™ test following the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Urine samples obtained from healthy subjects were negative for bladder cancer by Oncuria™ test criteria. The majority of the manipulated conditions did not result in a false-positive test. The addition of whole blood (high concentration) did result in a false-positive result, but this was abrogated by sample centrifugation prior to analysis. The addition of cellular proteins (high concentration) resulted in a positive Oncuria™ test, and this was unaffected by pre-analysis sample centrifugation. Conclusions: The Oncuria™ multiplex test performed well in the ex vivo experimental model and shows promise for clinical application. The identification of patients who require additional clinical evaluation could reduce the need to subject patients who do not have bladder cancer to frequent, uncomfortable and expensive cystoscopic examinations, thus benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.