Gene identified

Measurement of a gene activity in primary breast tumors can help reveal the cancer's aggressiveness.

Researchers at the University of South Alabama and University of Wales in America have discovered that measurement of a gene activity in primary breast tumors can help reveal the cancer's aggressiveness.

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The gene, Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM), involved in the adhesion of cells is less active in higher-grade tumours compared to lower-grade tumours, thus helping the physicians in deciding treatment at a much advanced stage.

"The data clearly suggest that decreased ALCAM expression in the primary tumour is of clinical significance in breast cancer, and that reduced expression indicates a more aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis," said Dr Judy King, the lead researcher.

As the ALCAM gene helps in keeping the cells together in a clump, the researchers hypothesize that reduced expression of the gene might allow the tumour cells to separate from one another. This would allow cells to enter the circulation and promote the formation of secondary tumours, which makes the cancer harder to treat.