| abstract |
ADAM 12 expression and activity is found in patients with cancers of epithelial origin such as breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer, and others Up-regulated: Thus, the present invention is directed to a method for prognostic assessment and diagnosis of cancer of epithelial origin. In particular, the presence of ADAM 12 in biological samples suggests cancer of epithelial origin. Furthermore, the amount of ADAM 12 protein detected in a biological sample, such as urine, correlates with the disease state such that ADAM 12 levels can be used to predict the presence of cancer and the ability to metastasize. Thus, measuring ADAM 12 levels in biological samples (eg, urine or blood) provides a quick, easy and safe screen that can be used for both cancer diagnosis and prognosis in patients. |