Our clinic uses MySignal using microRNA and N-NOSE from nematodes as a means of early detection of cancer risk. They are used differently depending on the patient’s purpose. Let’s explain the differences between these tests.
N-NOSE
The olfactory receptor mechanism of C. elegans is similar to that of mammals, and the number of receptors is approximately 1,200, three times greater than that of humans. The identity of the cancer-specific odor that C. elegans responds to is currently under analysis and has not yet been elucidated, but they are focusing on the fact that volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are part of the metabolome of cancer cells, appear in the exhaled breath and urine of cancer patients. There are still few studies in urine, and 2-Pentanone is only known for lung cancer. This test cannot identify the type of cancer, and there are 23 types (oral cavity cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine body cancer). Cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, bile duct cancer, gallbladder cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, skin cancer, and blood cancer) have been shown to respond to common odors. If we could identify the VOCs emitted by each cancer, it would become possible to diagnose cancer and increase accuracy. It has been shown to have a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 90.2%.
miSignal®
miSignal®, a next-generation cancer risk test that can detect cancer early and with high accuracy using a urine test, is a test that extracts microRNA from urine and examines cancer risk. This highly accurate cancer screening test using urine, developed through joint research with about 20 university hospitals and cancer research centers nationwide, can determine the risk of up to ten types of cancer(esophagus, breast, lung, stomach, colon and rectum, bladder, pancreas, kidney, prostate and ovary) at once. With existing tests, some tumors cannot be detected until the size and stage of the tumor has progressed, but a new technology has been developed to capture microRNAs in urine. Previously, only 200 to 300 types of microRNAs were discovered, but now more than 1,000 types have been discovered, making it possible to analyze cancer-specific microRNAs in detail. “miSignal®” has the potential for early detection of cancer by using AI to analyze microRNA obtained from urine.
Both sensitivity and specificity have been shown to be 92.9%.
- The sensitivity and specificity of cancer diagnosis using conventional tumor markers is said to be approximately 30-80%, but the results are even worse for early-stage cancers, so the above two types of tests are thought to be an opportunity for early detection of cancer. As a guideline for which test to choose, N-NOSE is recommended for those who have no particular cancer to worry about, but would like to learn about a wide range of cancer risks and take countermeasures, and miSignal® is recommended for those who want to take cancer countermeasures that suit their individual constitution (for example, Helicobacter pylori infection, obesity, diabetes, etc.).
