Researchers identify potential ovarian cancer marker

Posted on 2008-09-29 08:23:47 in Cancer | Diagnostics | Women's Health |

Researchers have identified a potential maker for ovarian cancer, which could lead to the development of new treatments and a much-needed screening test for the disease.

Dr George Koucos and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania Ovarian Cancer Research Center found that a gene called TEM1 is over-expressed in the blood vessels surrounding ovarian tumors. The researchers tested 52 samples of ovarian cancer â€“ TEM1 was found in the blood supply in all of the samples, and high levels of TEM1 were associated with decreased survival. In comparison, none of the control samples in the study tested positive for TEM1, thus suggesting that TEM1 is a specific marker for ovarian cancer.

It is hoped that the finding will lead to a new method of screening for ovarian cancer â€“ the deadliest gynecological cancer in the US. The researchers believe that the finding may also lead to new treatments, potentially involving the use of TEM1-antibodies to target blood vessels containing TEM1 and thereby disrupt the blood supply to the tumor.

News release: Vascular Marker of Ovarian Cancer Identified. American Association for Cancer Research website. September 23rd 2008.

Health Headlines

Chemical in Furniture May Cause Skin Irritations

Dimethylfumate (DMF), a preservative used to prevent mold on furniture shipped long distances, can transfer to a person’s skin and cause contact dermatitis.

Rising Costs Deter Unhealthy Food Choices

Adults eat less junk food and drink fewer sugary beverages as the prices of these products increase.`

Garlic May Counteract Key Cancer Process

Nitrosation, a process in which substances in foods and the water are converted into cancer-causing compounds, may be countered by increased garlic consumption.

Berries May Combat Metabolic Dysfunction

Finnish researchers reveal that a diet rich in berries may reduce levels of inflammatory markers linked to metabolic disorders and liver disease.

Scientists Discover Protein that Naturally Inhibits Aging

UCSD (US) researchers discover Sestrin, a protein that functions as natural inhibitor of aging and age-related pathologies in a fruitfly model of aging.

Cocoa Compounds Boost Blood Flow to Muscles

Researchers find that a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols increases blood flow to muscles, and may thereby alleviate exercise-related strains on the heart.

Cardiac Risks of Air Travel in the Older Population

Older airline passengers with a history of heart disease may be more prone to heartbeat irregularities.

Blood Pressure Dietary Program May Boost Brain Function

The DASH Diet, resultant from the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study, improves mental activity in overweight adults with high blood pressure.

Daily Dose of Sugary Beverages Linked to Rise in Diabetes

In the US, more than 100,000 cases of diabetes over the last decade may be a direct result of the rise in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sports drink

Alcohol May Help to Curb Weight Gain in Women

Large-scale study finds that light alcohol consumption slashes women’s risk of gaining excess weight.