S100 proteins and autoantibodies as serum markers for cancer

摘要

The present invention relates to screening methods for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer in a subject by means of detecting increased levels of S100 protein in sera and other biological fluids of the subject. The method of the invention can also be used to identify subjects at risk for developing cancer. The method of the invention involves the use of subject derived serum samples, or other biological fluid samples, to determine the occurrence and level of circulating S100 proteins. The invention also provides screening methods for diagnosis, prognosis, or susceptibility to cancer in a subject by means of detecting the presence of serum autoantibodies to specific S100 protein antigens in sera from subjects. The present invention further provides for kits for carrying out the above described screening methods. Such kits will be used to screen patients for increased levels of S100 protein, or for the detection of autoantibodies to S100 proteins, as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of disease.