Biomarkers for identifying tumor aggressiveness

(Max Delbr ü ck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association) Future early-stage colon cancer patients could benefit from specific genetic tests that forecast their prognosis and help them make the right decision regarding chemotherapy. Two of the biomarkers are the MACC1 gene, high levels of which promote aggressive tumor growth and the development of metastasis, and a defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system, which plays a role in tumor formation. Life expectancy is longer for patients with dMMR tumors and with low MACC1 gene activity.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news