Leukocyte Biomarker Applied to Early Detection of Colon Cancer

Genetic material extracted from white blood cells can be used as biomarkers for the early detection of colon cancer.

The white blood cells, the monocytes, contain genetic material that when analyzed by a novel method, will enhance the monitoring of the development of the colon cancer in patients.

White blood cells play a significant role in the growth of tumors, the metastasis of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in and around tumors. In addition, they serve a crucial function in combating malignant cells. They form the core of the defense mechanism, which the body musters against cancer cells. The scientists will link changes in the genetic material of monocytes to the presence and progression of colon cancer. The advantage of this approach is that monocytes are easy to extract from the patient's blood sample.

Massimiliano Mazzone, PhD, who heads a laboratory at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Leuven, Belgium), has just been awarded a substantial grant over a three year period to refine the technique. He has specialized in blood vessel formation in tumors. His most important discovery is the "phalanx cells,” highly streamlined cells on the inside of blood vessels that are needed for improved supply of oxygen. These more quiescent endothelial cell types in nongrowing vessels survive for many years and maintain lumen patency. These cells form a tightly aligned, orderly shaped, smooth layer with a typical cobblestone appearance, comparable to the "phalanx” formation of Greek Spartan soldiers.

The grant was awarded by The Fournier-Majoie Foundation for Innovation (FFMI; Brussels, Belgium). In close collaboration with oncology specialists at the University Hospital of Leuven (Leuven, Belgium), the grant recipients hope to go from the bench to the bedside in a very short time.

Related Links:
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
The Fournier-Majoie Foundation
University Hospital of Leuven