Dielectric properties of urine in relation to bladder cancer

• Published in: Australasian physical & engineering sciences in medicine Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 61 - 71
• Main Authors: Zhu, Chao-Zhe, Ting, Hua-Nong, Ng, Kwan-Hoong, Mun, Kein-Seong, Ong, Teng-Aik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biological and Medical Physics; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Biomedicine; Biophysics; Bladder; Bladder cancer; Cancer; Cytology; Dielectric properties; Medical and Radiation Physics; Microwave frequencies; Network analysers; Scientific Paper; Urinalysis; Urine; Urine; Urothelial cells; Bladder cancer; Dielectric properties
• ISSN: 2662-4729; 0158-9938; 2662-4737; 1879-5447
• DOI: 10.1007/s13246-023-01341-5

Many studies have investigated the dielectric properties of human and animal tissues, particularly to differentiate between normal cells and tumors. However, these studies are invasive as tissue samples have to be excised to measure the properties. This study aims to investigate the dielectric properties of urine in relation to bladder cancer, which is safe and non-invasive to patients. 30 healthy subjects and 30 bladder cancer patients were recruited. Their urine samples were subjected to urinalysis and cytology assessment. A vector network analyzer was used to measure the dielectric constant (Ɛ′) and loss factor (Ɛ″) at microwave frequencies of between 0.2 and 50 GHz at 25 °C, 30 °C and 37 °C. Significant differences in Ɛ′ and Ɛ″ were observed between healthy subjects and patients, especially at frequencies of between 25 and 40 GHz at 25 °C. Bladder cancer patients had significant lower Ɛ′ and higher Ɛ″ compared with healthy subjects. The Ɛ′ was negatively correlated with urinary exfoliated urothelial cell number, and Ɛ″ was positively correlated. The study achieved a receiver operating characteristic area under curve (ROC–AUC) score of 0.69099 and an optimum accuracy of 75% with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 70%. The number of exfoliated urothelial cell had significant effect on the dielectric properties, especially in bladder cancer patients. Urinary dielectric properties could potentially be used as a tool to detect bladder cancer.