RSU research project on early diagnosis of bladder cancer receives recognition from the Latvian Academy of Sciences

At the end of February, at the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) award ceremony for the most significant achievements in science in 2025, the LAS President’s Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) for its research project “Early detection test for bladder cancer using non-invasive biomarkers and machine learning methods”.

The recognition was awarded for a significant contribution to the development of oncology diagnostics by creating an innovative approach to the early detection of bladder cancer based on liquid biopsy biomarkers and artificial intelligence solutions.

Prof. Zanda Daneberga receives the recognition. From the left: LAS President Ivars Kalviņš, Prof. Daneberga and the leader of the BioPhoT platform Osvalds Pugovičs. LAS publicity photo

The development of the study and the BioPhoT platform

‘Research into bladder cancer diagnosis at RSU began back in 2020. Since then, this topic has been purposefully developed within various national research programmes, and work is currently continuing on the BioPhoT platform, where we combine expertise in molecular biology, clinical medicine, and data analytics. 

Over the years, we have not only developed an innovative diagnostic approach, but also nurtured a new generation of scientists who continue to strengthen this research direction in Latvia with their energy and knowledge,’ emphasises Prof. Zanda Daneberga.

VIDEO about the BioPhoT project

Goal and significance of the project

Bladder cancer is one of the most common urological tumours, and invasive methods are still widely used in diagnosis. The aim of the project is to offer an alternative – a highly sensitive and specific test that would enable early detection of the disease, improve patients’ quality of life and optimise the use of healthcare resources.

A new, patient-friendly and clinically-effective diagnostic method was developed as part of the project, that is based on the detection of non-invasive biomarkers in urine using molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches, as well as machine learning algorithms for data analysis and improved diagnostic accuracy.

Interdisciplinary cooperation

The project brings together the expertise of clinical specialists, molecular biologists and data scientists, creating interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and doctors. 

The solution developed by RSU researchers is a significant step towards more personalised, accurate and patient-friendly oncological diagnostics in Latvia and internationally.

The project's research team is made up of Dr. med. Zanda Daneberga, Dr. biol. Edvīns Miklaševičas, Dr. biol. Miki Nakazawa-Miklaševiča, Prof. Dmitrijs Bļizņuks, LAS Full Member Dr. habil. med. Jānis Gardovskis, Dr. med. Egils Vjaters, Dr. Vilnis Lietuvietis, Dr. Juris Plonis, Dr. Ērika Bītiņa-Barlote, Dr. Sanda Siliņa un Mihails Šatcs.

The project Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products (BioPhoT) is being implemented as part of the national research program Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Program. Platform number: IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024/1-0002.