Uses of antileukoprotease in carcinoma

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of detecting/monitoring tumor growth and progression in a tissue by measuring the level of antileukoprotease. Also provided is a method of treating an individual having a tumor by administering antileukoprotease to inhibit the activity of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme. Specifically, the tumor is an ovarian carcinoma.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of detecting growth of an ovarian tumor and ovarian-derived metastatic tumor in a sample from an individual, comprising the step of: 
 measuring the level of antileukoprotease in said individual, wherein if said level of antileukoprotease exceeds the mean basal level of antileukoprotease in nondiseased individuals by 2 standard deviation or greater, said individual has growth in an ovarian or ovarian-derived tumor.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said tumor is selected from the group consisting of a low malignant potential tumor and an ovarian carcinoma.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said ovarian carcinoma is selected from the group consisting of a serous carcinoma, a mucinous carcinoma, an endometrioid carcinoma and a clear cell carcinoma.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antileukoprotease is detected in a sample selected from the group consisting of an ovarian secretion, an ovarian biopsy, a metastatic tumor biopsy and blood.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antileukoprotease is detected by a method selected from the group consisting of western blot analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and immunochemical methods.  
     
     
         6 . A method of treating an individual having a tumor selected from the group consisting of an ovarian tumor and ovarian-derived metastatic tumors, comprising the step of: 
 administering antileukoprotease to said individual.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said tumor is selected from the group consisting of a low malignant potential tumor and an ovarian carcinoma.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said ovarian carcinoma is selected from the group consisting of a serous carcinoma, a mucinous carcinoma, an endometrioid carcinoma and a clear cell carcinomas.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said antileukoprotease is administered systemically.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said antileukoprotease is administered locally  
     
     
         11 . A method of preventing metastasis of a tumor selected from the group consisting of an ovarian tumor and ovarian derived metastatic tumors, comprising the step of: 
 administering antileukoprotease to an individual having said tumor.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said tumor is selected from the group consisting of a low malignant potential tumor and an ovarian carcinoma.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said ovarian carcinoma is selected from the group consisting of a serous carcinoma, a mucinous carcinoma, an endometrioid carcinoma and a clear cell carcinoma.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said antileukoprotease is administered systemically.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said antileukoprotease is administered locally