Diagnosis and treatment of cancer: I

摘要

A method of diagnosing cancer comprising the steps of (I) obtaining a sample containing nucleic acid and/or protein from the patient; and (ii) determining s whether the sample contains a level of SCN5A (and optionally also SCN9A) voltage-gated Na* channel nucleic acid or protein associated with cancer. A method of diagnosing breast cancer comprising the steps of (i) obtaining a sample containing nucleic acid and/or protein from the'patient; and (ii) determining whether the sample contains a level of voltage-gated Na* channel 10 nucleic acid or protein, preferably SCN5A or SCN9A, associated with cancer. A method of treating cancer comprising the step of administering to the patient an agent which selectively prevents the function of SCN5A (and optionally also SCN9A) voltage-gated Nat channel. A method of treating breast cancer comprising the step of administering to the patient an agent which selectively is prevents the function of a voltage-gated Na* channel, preferably SCN5A or SCN9A. Genetic constructs and molecules useful in such methods. The methods and compositions are particularly suited to breast cancer. N:/McibourneCases/Patent/loo -51999P5100B.AUlSpeciPs5100.AU.I Specification 2007-12-19.doe 1912/07