IVD Technology Magazine
IVDT Article Index

Originally published May, 1998

IVD Technology News

Nuclear protein shows promise in predicting cancer

At the March meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers from Matritech, Inc. (Newton, MA), presented a novel marker for detecting precancerous cervical irregularities. Levels of the marker, called NMP179, were shown to correlate with the presence of cervical cancer. Detection of cancer at an earlier stage than is possible using traditional Pap smears has potential to improve current treatments.

Matritech's assay is based on the company's nuclear matrix protein (NMP) technology. NMPs are found in the nuclei of cells and are associated with DNA replication and gene organization. Certain NMPs are specific to particular cell types, such as tumor cells.

Matritech has been marketing its NMP assay for bladder cancer since 1996, when it received FDA approval. The firm is currently seeking companies experienced in cervical instrumentation as partners to develop an automated diagnostic device for use with NMP179. —G.W.