A recent study, published in the International Journal of Urology, has identified two potential biomarkers for the presence of malignant small renal masses in the urine. The study investigated aquaporin 1 and perilipin 2 to determine if these biomarkers were predictive of malignancy.

During the study with 57 patients, the presence of aquaporin 1 and perilipin 2 in the urine correctly identified clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas, and two chromophobe masses were found. All benign findings were correctly diagnosed.

The investigators suggest that routine use of these urine biomarkers may help reduce the risk of unnecessary biopsy or surgery, which was avoided in 74% of patients and 23% of patients with benign renal masses. However, since only 57 patients were included in the current study, a much larger trial is needed to better evaluate the performance and accuracy of these biomarkers.

Read more in the International Journal of Urology here