A group of doctors here have found a gene that could detect the possible recurrence of breast cancer.

If cancer treatment is effective, recurrence remains a major threat. The finding could contribute to improved treatment for breast cancer, Prof. Kim Lee-su of Hallym University said.

When there are cancer cells, and when teh cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, normal cells’ production of αB-Crystallin protein increases. Those with the protein-positive cancer cells showed worse prognosis than those with protein-negative cells, he added.

“The protein will be a good barometer in predicting whether one will have bad prognosis, including relapse,” Kim said.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)