METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS OF CANCER

摘要

We have discovered a protein in humans, herein referred to as thymosin R16 (SEQ ID NO: 1), that is expressed in human prostate cancer tumors but not in specimens of benign prostate hyperplasma (BPH) tissues. In contrast, prostate specific antigen (PSA), the gold standard of prostate cancer diagnosis, is highly expressed in BPH tissues. Increased expression of thymosin (316 has a high correlation to disease state in a number of cancers including prostate cancer and cancers of epithelial origin. Accordingly, method of diagnosing and prognosing cancer in a patient by measuring the level of thymosin (316 in a biological test sample obtained from the patient are provided.