Un científico de la Universidad de Navarra identifica un posible marcador diagnóstico contra el cáncer de pulmón
A University of Navarra scientist identifies a possible diagnostic marker against lung cancer
Biologist Igor Hernández highlights the mechanisms of this disease in bone metastasis.
Igor Hernández, a scientist at the research center Applied Medicine (CIMA) of the University of Navarra, has identified a protein that could act as a diagnostic marker against lung cancer.
As explained by researcher, under the name 'ADAM8-Delta 14' is a molecule that is only detected in lung cancer cells. "Moreover, Hernández adds, we know that they are used by tumor cells to activate the bone degradation mechanism once they are in the bone, favoring metastasis and destruction of this tissue.
In this sense, he reminds us that early diagnosis of the disease is fundamental: "Lung cancer is the leading cause of death by tumor in Europe. This is largely due to the fact that the diagnosis takes place late, when the metastasis process has already begun, which is most often located in the brain and bone marrow". In the latter case, the specialist stresses that patients "suffer very intense pain, bone fractures and severe metabolic disorders".
In Navarra, cancer is already the leading cause of death in men and the second in women. "Between 1998 and 2002, 3,390 new cases were diagnosed per year. In this same period, 1,319 people died each year due to tumors. Of these, 18% were due to lung cancer," says the biologist.
Precisely the characterization of this mechanism, which allows tumor cells to survive and destroy the bone, has been the goal of his doctoral thesis , defended at the School of Sciences of the academic center. "Through a search with molecular tools we found a series of new forms of the ADAM8 protein, which are normally involved in normal processes but are altered in cancerous phases," says the new doctor.
His work now continues with the definition of the new molecule as a diagnostic marker, for which it will be necessary to observe its expression in different types of lung tumors with different Degree from development. "At the same time, we are studying the expression of the protein in other types of cancer, such as glioblastomas - which affect the central nervous system -, prostate and pancreatic tumors," he concludes.
The analysis carried out by the University of Navarra's researcher will be presented at two international congresses on metastasis and bone to be held in Canada.