Alpha Fetoprotein News and Research

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Widely used biomarkers in early detection of liver cancer are not ideal: Study

Widely used biomarkers are not optimal in early detection of liver cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, according to a new study published in this month's Gastroenterology.

26 Feb 2010

Combining DCP and AFP biomarkers may improve early detection of liver cancer

While biomarkers are needed to complement ultrasound in the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; liver cancer), neither des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) nor the most widely used biomarker, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), is optimal, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.

26 Feb 2010

LFB completes conversion of all acquired preferred stock

GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. announced that LFB Biotechnologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of LFB S.A. (Laboratoire Français du Fractionnement et des Biotechnologies S.A., Les Ulis, France) and a strategic shareholder in GTC, has converted the convertible preferred stock it previously purchased in November 2009 under the terms described in the financing agreements approved by GTC shareholders in July 2009 into a total of 5.3 million shares of common stock.

9 Jan 2010

Scientists discover new model to asses homeostatic relationships between body substances

The Center for Modeling Optimal Outcomes, LLC, a New Jersey based think tank focused on the application of neuroscience in business, inadvertently discovered a scientifically verifiable model for assessing homeostasis (balance) between substances in the body.

18 Dec 2009

Alpha-fetoprotein, a well-tolerated agent for treatment and prevention of breast cancer

Researchers have found that hormones produced during pregnancy induce a protein that directly inhibits the growth of breast cancer. This protein, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), may serve as a viable, well-tolerated agent for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, according to findings published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

25 Nov 2009

Genetic sonogram improves accuracy of noninvasive prenatal screening and detection of Down syndrome

The addition of a "genetic sonogram" maximizes the accuracy of non-invasive testing for Down syndrome, said a Baylor College of Medicine researcher who was lead author of a landmark study in the current issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

21 Nov 2009

GTC Biotherapeutics announces financial results for third quarter 2009

GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc.’s total net loss for the third quarter ended September 27, 2009 was $5.1 million, or $0.48 per share, compared with $6.1 million, or $0.59 per share, in the third quarter of 2008. The total net loss for the first nine months of 2009 was $26.2 million, or $2.51 per share, compared to $16.5 million, or $1.71 per share, for the first nine months of 2008.

6 Nov 2009

Hepatitis B Foundation calls for consistent monitoring and referral of HBV infected children

An expert panel of nationally recognized pediatric liver specialists convened by the Hepatitis B Foundation is calling for more consistent monitoring and referral of children chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The panel's recommendations for pediatricians and other primary care practitioners stress the need for routine monitoring of children with chronic HBV infections, and timely consultation with a pediatric liver specialist.

6 Oct 2009

Mammalian alpha-fetoprotein affects the development of rat colons

Mammalian alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a single-chain glycoprotein and altered serum AFP levels have been observed concurrent with aberrant growth manifestations in some congenital defects and cancer.

20 Apr 2009

Axela launches nine plate based tumor marker assays

Available in high performance ELISA format they have been designed for stand alone use or to simplify the transition to automated dotLab assays.

9 Apr 2009

New evidence strengthens link between cigarette smoke exposure and poor infant health

The damaging effects of smoking and smoke exposure can be seen at any age. Pediatricians have even noted these negative effects in various stages of infant development. The consequences of maternal smoke exposure during pregnancy can range from higher rates of prematurity to increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

5 Nov 2008

New non-invasive prenatal blood test for Down's syndrome, safer for the fetus

American researchers have created a prenatal blood test which can be used to determine if an unborn baby has Down's syndrome and the new test is safer for the fetus.

7 Oct 2008

Testicular cancer gauge often not used

A standard part of testicular cancer care isn't used in more than half of all patients who have the condition, researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found.

18 Mar 2008

Proteomic profiling shown more accurate than traditional biomarkers in identifying liver cancer

As the incidence of liver cancer continues to grow - fueled in large part, by rising rates of hepatitis C infections - so too does the need for tests to help diagnose the disease at an earlier stage.

16 Jan 2008

Discovery of molecules with potential to treat breast cancer

Hamilton College researchers have identified molecules that have been shown to be effective in the fight against breast cancer.

8 May 2007

Radiofrequency ablation is as effective as surgery for small liver tumors

Three-year data shows that radiofrequency ablation is as effective as surgical resection for overall survival and tumor recurrence, for the treatment of single small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis, according to a study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 31st Annual Scientific Meeting.

4 Apr 2006

Researchers use new approach to 'break the code' for liver cancer test

Scientists at Birmingham University are using cutting edge technologies to move closer to a blood test that will improve early diagnosis of liver cancer in high risk groups, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

25 Jan 2006