KOC is a novel molecular indicator of malignancy.
The detection of malignant cells in fine-needle aspirates (FNA's) using marker genes is hampered by the fact that these markers are only expressed by certain malignancies or lack sensitivity and/or specificity. Here we report the results of a prospective pilot study examining the expression of KOC (KH-domain containing protein over expressed in cancer), a novel onco-foetal gene, in 76 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration for further diagnosis of abdominal lesions, aszites, cysts or cerebrospinal fluid. Aspirates were examined by cytology and by a KOC RT-PCR assay. KOC expression was a highly sensitive and specific indicator of malignancy. The KOC assay could be useful to facilitate screening for malignant disease and to improve the diagnostic accuracy of FNAs.
Mueller
F
F
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Ulm, Germany.
Bommer
M
M
Lacher
U
U
Ruhland
C
C
Stagge
V
V
Adler
G
G
Gress
T M
TM
Seufferlein
T
T
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
C498780:IGF2BP3 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins