Detection of bladder cancer using nuclear matrix protein proteomic marker NMP22

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of NMP-22 (Bladder Check Protein Test Pack Kit) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. MATERIALS From May 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009 all patients with bladder mass by ultrasound, IVP or CT scan from three different urology training institutions were enrolled in this prospective study. These patients underwent urine cytology and NMP-22 qualitative assay. The diagnosis determined from the cytoscopic and histopathologic findings from CTURBT was accepted as the gold standard. RESULTS: Thirty nine subjects were enrolled in this study, whom of 31 patients were diagnosed of malignancy and 8 were benign in pathology. The sensitivity of urine cytology, NMP-22 assay and cytoscopy was 34.6%, 96.8% and 92.3% respectively and the specificity was 37.5% for NMP-22 and 66.1% for the cytoscopy. CONCLUSION: The result of this study suggests that NMP-22 is a very sensitive test, however is less specific in identifying bladder cancer.