Urinalysis and Prostate Cancer

Volatile organic compounds in the urine of men with prostate cancer

Donald Murphy, Brian Meade, Victor Lee and Avni Sali in conjunction with Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia

Recently, Cornu et al.(2011) reported that dogs can sniff out prostate cancer patients. In our study the urine of 5 prostate cancer patients was collected before and 3 months after prostatectomy. PSA levels were all <0.04 ng/ml after radical surgery. The urine samples were analysed independently by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry(GC-MS), and the volatile organic compounds(VOCs) profiles compared pre- and post-surgery. There were 9 prominent peaks in all samples but only 2 peaks were decreased significantly after surgery in 3 out of 5 patients. The remaining 2 patients showed equivocal changes in these 2 peaks. The results indicate a clear difference in the VOCs in the urine of men before and after prostatectomy, and support further investigations into the identity of VOCs that may be prostate cancer specific. The results also lend support to the work of Cornu et.al. and may provide an additional screening test for prostate cancer.

Cornu JN, Cancel-Tassin G, Ondet V, Girardet C and Cussenot O(2011). Olfactory Detection of Prostate Cancer by Dogs Sniffing Urine: A Step Forward in Early Diagnosis. European Urology Vol. 59, 197-201.

Meditation and Cortisol

In conjunction with Sri Bala Ratnam and the Vibrational Breath Therapy Meditation Course, this study investigated the effects of meditation and its associated practices, such as deep breathing, relaxation and group discussion. Participants were surveyed for self-reported feelings of physical health and mental and emotional well being. At the commencement and conclusion of the 12 week meditation course, participants were evaluated for saliva levels of cortisol, a hormone that is closely associated with acute and chronic stress. At the completion of the study, most participants were found to have decreased cortisol levels and an improved self-reported health and well being score. Article in publication.