Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TYMS), the critical enzyme for DNA synthesis and a target for chemotherapy, was recently characterized as an oncogene and a potential target for specific immunotherapy. Here we report TYMS-specific antibody response in a fraction of colon cancer patients. Humoral immune response to TYMS is induced by chemotherapy using TYMS inhibitors, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and may be associated with tumor burden. Therefore, TYMS may serve as a useful serological biomarker for monitoring the course of disease and treatment in cancer patients.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Antibodies / blood*
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Antibodies / immunology
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Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
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Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
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Biomarkers, Tumor / immunology
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Colonic Neoplasms / blood*
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Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Colonic Neoplasms / immunology
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Fluorouracil / administration & dosage*
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Humans
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Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
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Thymidylate Synthase / immunology*
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Tumor Burden / drug effects
Substances
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Antibodies
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Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Thymidylate Synthase
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Fluorouracil