Recombinant alpha-2b-interferon dynamic test as a potential tool in predicting disease status during second look in ovarian cancer: a preliminary report

Article Abstract:

Some types of cancers produce proteins that are not found, or are found in smaller amounts, in normal tissues or blood. Enthusiasm for the use of these so-called tumor markers has waned somewhat as it has become clear that none of the presently known tumor markers are sensitive enough to be used routinely as diagnostic tools. In some cases, however, tumor markers may prove useful in monitoring cancer patients for signs of recurrence. Patients with ovarian cancer may have elevated blood levels of a tumor protein known by its molecular weight, 90 kiloDaltons, or 90 kD. A study was conducted to evaluate the 90 kD protein as an indicator of cancer recurrence in 26 women who were in remission after treatment for ovarian cancer. At present, it is common practice to monitor such patients with a ''second-look'' procedure, in which the abdomen is opened a second time and the surgeon looks for indications of cancer recurrence. In the present series of patients, the second-look procedure was used to assess the reliability of the 90 kD measurements as an indicator of recurrence. In order to make the 90 kD test more sensitive, researchers added a novel twist. Alpha-2b-interferon was administered for three days prior to the second-look procedure in an effort to boost the amount of 90 kD released by any tumor cells that might be present. At the second look, 13 of the patients were found to have some evidence of disease. Seven of these patients had abnormal amounts of 90 kD prior to surgery; one patient without signs of disease also had abnormal amounts. However, when the 90 kD protein changes induced by the interferon injections were considered, 12 of the 13 patients with signs of disease were found to have abnormal 90 kD test results. Unfortunately, 5 of the 13 patients without evidence of disease at second look were considered to have positive results by these standards. Nevertheless, the use of alpha-2b-interferon to stimulate the production of 90 kD may prove to be a useful method for monitoring ovarian cancer patients for indications of recurrence. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Evaluation, Interferon alpha, Tumor proteins, Tumor markers

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Expression of ras oncogene p21 protein in normal and neoplastic ovarian tissues: correlation with histopathologic features and receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor

Article Abstract:

Overexpression of the gene for p21 protein may be associated with malignancy in ovarian tissue. p21 protein appears to play a role in regulating cell growth, and its over-amplification has already been associated with the development of pancreatic cancer and with tumor progression in breast cancer. Levels of p21 were measured in ten normal ovaries, four ovarian cysts, six benign ovarian tumors, 42 malignant ovarian tumors and 15 metastases arising from ovarian tumors. p21 expression did not differ among samples taken from the normal and cystic ovaries and the benign tumors. However, p21 levels were significantly higher in the cancerous tumors than in benign tumors and normal tissues. Furthermore, levels of p21 were significantly higher in the 15 metastases than in the 42 malignant tumors that had not metastasized. Tumors with estrogen receptors and/or progesterone receptors expressed significantly higher levels of p21 than tumors without these receptors.

Physiological aspects, Genetic aspects, Gene expression, Oncogenes, Hormones, Sex, Sex hormones

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