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Urine as a Cancer ‘Biopsy’?

Study traces tumor-derived extracellular vesicles from blood to urine through glomerular transport

  • March 18, 2026

  • 3 min

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Research led by Kawaguchi reveals that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can migrate from the bloodstream into urine, establishing a biological foundation for urine-based cancer diagnostics. Key to this process is the kidney glomerulus, which actively facilitates the transfer of these vesicles through internalization and transcytosis. Using engineered cancer cells in mouse models, the study demonstrated that the glomerulus selectively enriches specific circulating EV populations, enhancing their detection in urine, and suggesting their potential as biomarkers for liquid biopsies.

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Urine as a Cancer ‘Biopsy’?

  • March 18, 2026

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