Prostate cancer tests may soon be simpler and more accurate due to Casey Burton, a senior chemistry major at Missouri University of Science and Technology, who developed a new technique that detects certain metabolites in urine samples.

The finding is published in the journal Analytical Methods and reveals that compared with conventional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which requires using high-tech instrumentation to detect metabolites, Burton’s technique could be less costly as it relies on a simple chemical reaction and already existing diagnostic equipment available in most health clinics.

According to Burton, his technique is more accurate compared with PSA tests, as these “cannot accurately differentiate between benign prostate conditions and active prostate cancer.”

He stated in the paper:

“A novel enzymatic technique for determination of sarcosine in urine samples” that was published in January this year in Analytical Methods, saying: “This lack of sufficient diagnostic techniques for prostate cancer highlights the need for more effective screening methods.”

The article describes how the concentration of the metabolite sarcosine can be determined by treating urine samples with a certain enzyme that interact with a substrate (molecule), which causes a chemical reaction that is measurable through different analytical techniques.

Burton says that until now prostate cancer was linked to the presence of sarcosine in the urine, yet this link has been refuted. Nevertheless, Burton’s technique to identify the presence of sarcosine could be used to test for the presence of other metabolites that may be linked to various diseases. The enzyme Burton used in his study belongs to a broad class of similar functioning enzymes on molecules, such as nucleic and amino acids as well as others.

When Burton used the enzyme sarcosine, oxidase on the samples produced formaldehyde, which in turn alters to produce formic acid through oxidation. By observing these chemical reactions and examining the levels of fluorescence after the enzyme treatment, Burton was able to determine the amount of sarcosine in each urine sample, meaning that the more the samples glowed, the lower was the level of sarcosine and that lesser fluorescence from the samples suggested a higher level of sarcosine.

To validate his findings, Burton used nine urine samples. His technique could potentially be used to identify other metabolites associated with prostate cancer, but the findings greatest asset is its simply use.

Burton says: “Instead of using fancy machinery, I can use an enzyme to make the chemical fluoresce. So we can effectively analyze our urine samples, and determine whether or not they contain metabolites.”

He adds that the low cost compared with traditional PSA tests also present a great advantage, continuing: “This costs a tenth of a penny per sample, compared with the $70 or so it costs to get a PSA test at a health clinic or doctor’s office.”

Earlier this year, Burton and 73 other undergraduates were selected by the Council on Undergraduate Research to discuss their research with lawmakers and policymakers in Washington, D.C., where he met U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, whose 8th congressional district includes Rolla and Missouri S&T.

Commenting on his encounter, Burton said: “She was very fond of and supportive of our university. It was nice to learn that she was aware of all of the research we conduct at Missouri S&T.”

Written by Petra Rattue