One of the most challenging aspects of prostate cancer diagnosis is collecting urine samples from patients. In addition to being highly uncomfortable, post-digital rectal examination collection yields less than suboptimal samples. However, a new study suggests that the samples patients collect themselves at home may be at least equally reliable as current collection methods, not to mention a lot easier and more pleasant. The Diagnostic Challenge Measuring biomarkers contained in urine is the basis for diagnosing prostate cancer. Historically, a doctor collects a urine sample from the patient after performing a digital rectal examination of the prostate. The timing is important because the digital examination boosts the levels of prostatic secretion in the urine. However, research shows that the first urination of the day provides the highest and most consistent levels of biomarkers. The problem, of course, is that doctors rarely have access to that first-of-the-day urine. And home collection is unreliable and subject to sample spoilage and contamination. The New Test  Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UAE) in the UK have pioneered a new test that enables detection of prostate cancer using urine samples that patients collect at home. The study, which was published in the published […]