Scientists from the University of Turku have discovered Lima1-Alpha protein, the presence of which can accurately predict that patients with head and neck can benefit only without surgery without further chemotherapy. The results of the study were published in Embo Molecular Medicine magazine.
Researchers have developed a simple test that detects the presence of this protein in the tumor tissue. Without LIMA1, the probability of successful treatment after one surgery is too high. In such cases, patients can avoid relaxing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which are often accompanied by serious side effects, such as difficulties of swallowing, chronic dry mouth and the fall of life.
The results of the study are based on data from all five university hospitals in Finland. Patients who had no Lima1 in their tumors had an excellent survival. No deaths were registered with cancer during two years.
According to scientists, this is the first practical biomarks, which allows personalized treatment to perform in the early stages of the disease. To date, doctors have only used two markers (P16 and PD-L1), which do not provide clear prediction for the initial stage of therapy.
Researchers also found that Lima1 protein increases the aggression of the coil cells, which explains its connection with the bad prediction. Tests have been conducted on groups of different patients, and Lima1 has proved a reliable predictive factor for the result of treatment.
This discoveries based on Testra OY has already been created and plans to release a diagnostic test under Eplinex and Brand. However, the authors emphasize that at least five years of research results are needed to fully confirm the effectiveness of the method.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
