Matrix metalloproteinase levels as indicators of endometrial cancer
OwnerAlexander Lopata, Lois A. Salamonsen +1inventors
InventorsAlexander Lopata, Lois A. Salamonsen, Michael A. Quinn
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Abstract
This invention relates to methods for assaying the presence and/or risk of endometrial cancer by measurement of levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and/or matrix metalloproteinase-9 in uterine washings. The method may be qualitative or quantitative, and is adaptable to large-scale screening and to clinical trials.
Claims40
A method of detecting the presence of endometrial cancer in a subject at risk of, or suspected to be suffering from, endometrial cancer, comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of uterine fluid from the uterine cavity of the subject, and measuring the levels or activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and/or matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the uterine fluid, wherein an elevated level or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the fluid from the subject as compared to a control indicates that endometrial cancer is present in the subject, thereby detecting the presence of endometrial cancer.
A method of detection of recurrence of endometrial cancer in a patient who has undergone conservative treatment for primary endometrial cancer, comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of uterine fluid from the uterine cavity of the patient, and measuring the levels or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the fluid, wherein an elevated level or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the fluid from the patient as compared to a control indicates that endometrial cancer has recurred in the patient, thereby detecting the recurrence of endometrial cancer.
A method of detecting the presence or recurrence of endometrial cancer in a subject, comprising:
- obtaining a sample of uterine fluid from the uterine cavity of the subject, and
- measuring the level or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the fluid,
- wherein an elevated level or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the fluid from the subject as compared to a control indicates that endometrial cancer is present or has recurred in the patient, thereby detecting the presence or recurrence of endometrial cancer.
A method of monitoring the efficacy of a putative treatment for endometrial cancer in a patient, comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of uterine fluid from the uterine cavity of the patient before and after the patient has received the putative treatment, measuring the levels or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in fluid, wherein lowered levels or activities of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in the sample taken after treatment relative to the sample taken before treatment indicates that the putative treatment is succeeding, thereby monitoring the efficacy of the putative treatment for endometrial cancer.
A kit detecting for the presence or recurrence of endometrial cancer in a subject, comprising:
- (a) a suitable diluent for irrigating the uterine cavity of the subject, and
- (b) a means for delivery, recovery and collection of the diluted uterine fluid, and
- (c) a means for determining the level or activity of MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 in said diluted fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.