Tumor Protein Indicates Chances Cancer

¶ … Tumor Protein Indicates Chances Cancer Will Spread In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, scientists from the NIH and University of Hong Kong established a definite link between the levels of a particular protein in cancer tumors, and the chances that tumor would spread or metastasize. The researchers measured the amount of RNA from the protein CPE-delta N, which is normally involved in "processing insulin and other hormones," in tumors removed from cancer surgery patients. They also tested "surrounding tissues" for the protein's RNA.

The scientists found that when the CPE-delta N. In a tumor was more than double the amount in surrounding tissues, there was a 90% or more chance the cancer would spread within two years. Conversely, if CPE-delta N. levels were low, they could predict correctly that the cancer would not metastasize within two years. Therefore, testing for high amounts of CPE-delta N. RNA in a tumor and surrounding tissue is a significantly better predictor of metastasis than "conventional staging" tests.

In addition, testing was performed on tumors from two types of adrenal gland cancers. In these cases, the scientists were unable to test surrounding tissue because the adrenal glands are so small. Still, they discovered that finding CPE-delta N. RNA levels greater than 1 million per 200 micrograms of tissue was a definite predictor of metastasis, whereas levels less than 250,000 guaranteed the cancer would not spread in all cases studied. This is an important discovery because it will allow doctors to test for CPE-delta N.

In cases where regular staging indicates a low likelihood the cancer will metastasize, in order to double check that more intensive therapies or treatments should not be pursued. Moreover, developing a drug that can block CPE-delta N. In tumors could be a significant milestone in cancer treatment and.