Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified the first immune molecule that appears to play a role in prostate cancer, B7-H3. This research was led by Timothy Roth, M.D. According to the researchers, B7-H3 plays a role in predicting prostate cancer recurrence and progression after surgery. The researchers believe that B7-H3 kills or paralyzes immune cells that are trying to attack the prostate cancer cells. Nearly all normal, premalignant and cancerous prostate cells have B7-H3 on their surface.
The researchers found that patients with the highest levels of B7-H3 within their tumors were four times more likely to experience cancer progression as those with lower levels. The researchers say that evaluating the level of B7-H3 may help determine which patients can benefit from the 'watchful waiting' approach and which should take early aggressive measures.
