EGP-6

EGP-6 is a tumor-associated antigen that is expressed in a variety of cancerous conditions. It is a glycoprotein that is found on the surface of cancer cells and is used as a marker in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

History

EGP-6 was first identified in the 1980s during a study of antibodies produced by patients with colorectal cancer. The antigen was found to be present in high levels in the serum of these patients, leading to its use as a diagnostic marker.

Structure and Function

As a glycoprotein, EGP-6 is composed of a protein core with attached carbohydrate chains. The exact structure and function of EGP-6 is not fully understood, but it is known to be involved in cell adhesion and migration, processes that are crucial for the spread of cancer.

Clinical Significance

EGP-6 is used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of various types of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. It is also used to monitor the progress of cancer treatment and to detect recurrence.

In addition to its diagnostic use, EGP-6 is also a target for cancer immunotherapy. Antibodies that bind to EGP-6 can be used to deliver drugs or radioisotopes directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy tissue.

Future Research

Research is ongoing to better understand the structure and function of EGP-6 and to develop more effective therapies targeting this antigen. This includes the development of vaccines that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells expressing EGP-6.

See Also

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Tumor marker
• Glycoprotein