Urine test to detect clinically important prostate cancer

Project 2 - Validation and clinical utility of a multiplex urine biomarker for identification of clinically significant prostate cancer

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11196276

This project uses a urine test called MPS2 to help men with elevated PSA or under active surveillance find clinically important prostate cancers (Grade Group ≥2).

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11196276 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would give a urine sample that is tested with a new biomarker called MPS2. Men with elevated PSA who are deciding about biopsy are randomly assigned to have decisions guided by MPS2 versus the usual MRI-based approach at University of Michigan and Karmanos Cancer Institute. The trial will compare how well MPS2 finds important cancers while trying to reduce unnecessary MRIs and biopsies. Researchers will also analyze urine samples from men on active surveillance to see if MPS2 can detect cancers becoming more aggressive.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with an elevated PSA considering a prostate biopsy and men on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.

Not a fit: Men who already have high-risk or advanced prostate cancer, or men without elevated PSA or prostate concerns, are unlikely to benefit from this diagnostic test.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could spare many men from unnecessary MRIs and biopsies while still finding cancers that need treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Earlier urine-based tests, including the original MyProstateScore, have shown promising results, but randomized comparisons with MRI-based approaches are still limited.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.