Diagnostic Marker for Cervical Cancer

A new molecular technique for developing diagnostic markers to aid the screening, staging, and treatment of cancer has enabled researchers to identify a molecular marker for cancer cells of the cervix and their precursors. The marker can be used for the immunocytochemical staining of cervical smears.

The researchers, from MTM Laboratories AG (Heidelberg, Germany), say the new marker ensures the precise differentiation of dysplastic and neoplastic cervical cells from inflammatory or metaplastic lesions. The marker, called CINtec, is specifically expressed in high grade cervical lesions, cervical carcinomas, and in certain low grade lesions infected with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). The marker is not expressed in normal epithelium or proliferating cells, in inflammatory lesions, metaplastic lesions, or in certain low grade lesions not infected with HPV.

MTM Laboratories identifies specific molecular targets using different approaches. The evaluation of biochemical pathways essential for the pathogenesis of specific cancers is used to define nucleic acid- or protein-based modifications present in cancer cells. As a second approach, molecular differences between defined tissue samples are identified by in-depth analysis of protein and gene expression profiles.



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