Gene predicts breast cancer metastasis:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
US researchers have identified a gene marker that can predict the likelihood of breast cancer metastasis in patients who become resistant to the anti-hormone drugs aromatase inhibitors. The team, based at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, found that high levels of the gene CEACAM6 (carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6) were expressed in breast tumours that were likely to become invasive and metastasise. The marker could help predict which patients have the greatest risk of breast cancer recurrence so their doctors can offer the most appropriate treatment plan, said the investigators. The findings were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, in Los Angeles, California, this month.