Last month, we reported on two proteins considered to be biomarkers for breast cancer metastasis onto neighboring lymph nodes. This time, a structural protein called nestinhas been linked to the incidence of basal epithelial breast tumors, a particularly deadly form of breast cancer. Since this type of breast cancer has a high rate of recurrence, testing for the nestin biomarker could lead to earlier detection and better treatment.

"Normal basal epithelial tissue produces nestin, but basal epithelial tumors produce a tremendous amount of nestin, which likely represents an abnormal expansion of the basal epithelia." DiRenzo said. "If it is indeed specific to regenerative cells, then it will make for an excellent diagnostic tool for a cancer of regenerative mammary cells."

Read more from the American Association for Cancer Research, or see the January 15 issue of the Cancer Research journal.