Summary of Invention
The present invention provides a method for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer, which presently has no reliable marker. YKL-40 is a substantial improvement over CA125, the only ovarian cancer marker currently used for monitoring the disease. The method is based on determining the concentration of YKL-40 in serum. YKL‑40 is a secreted glycoprotein possibly involved in extracellular matrix degradation and/or angiogenesis. Serum levels of YKL-40 reliably distinguish healthy individuals from ovarian cancer patients (p<.0001). In one study, YKL-40 predicted stage I and II ovarian cancer with 65 percent sensitivity compared with 35 percent for CA125. Furthermore, it has been found that patients with elevated concentration of YKL-40 were highly likely to have recurrence of disease (64 percent of patients with elevated preoperative YKL-40 values died of disease, while all of the patients with lower preoperative YKL-40 values remained in remission).
The method is particularly applicable for screening individuals who have increased risk factors for ovarian cancer but who are not themselves evidencing overt symptoms of ovarian cancer. By testing such individuals, the test of the invention allows for early detection of ovarian cancer, thus facilitating early treatment and an improved long-term prognosis. Tests for YKL-40 levels can also be used in combination with other marker screening tests to improve on sensitivity and specificity.
Advantage
Increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ovarian cancer compared with any other currently available marker.
Lead Inventors
Dr. Jakob Dupont
Dr. David Spriggs
Patent Information
Worldwide patent protection available.
Reference
Dupont J, et al. J Clin Oncol. 22(16):3330-9 (2004).
Contact Information
Julia Calonge, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: calongej@mskcc.org
