Jefferson researchers find protein signpost may indicate esophageal and stom...( ive GCC expression in intestinal metapl...),Health

Intestinal metaplasia is a sometimes precancerous condition in the esophagus and stomach. In fewer than 10 percent of cases, intestinal metaplasia leads to a cancer, adenocarcinoma, of the esophagus and stomach.

Their findings indicate the answer is yes to both questions.

The team looked at the presence of GCC in 18 patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and esophagus. They detected GCC genetic material - mRNA - in five of five cases of esophageal cancer and eight of nine cases of stomach cancer. Not only that, GCC mRNA was found in three of five and six of seven "healthy" tissues adjacent to the esophageal and stomach cancers. The researchers believe this may be a sign of "early molecular changes" associated with the development of cancer. the majority of cases they looked at, GCC was present. What's more, GCC was not present in normal esophagus or stomach.

The results may have important clinical implications. "We think this could not only be a diagnostic marker, but a potential therapeutic target, since you can target antibodies, for example, to GCC, which is a receptor," Dr. Schulz says. She suggests a spray might be used with a toxin attached to an antibody that binds to GCC. "You could deliver therapeutics and perhaps use it for diagnostics."

Next, she says, she and her team would like to study GCC expression in a larger number of patients. They are also working to develop an antibody to better detect GCC's presence.

'"/>

Contact: Steve Benowitz
steven.benowitz@mail.tju.edu
215-955-5291
Thomas Jefferson University
26-Mar-2002