Proteolytic enzymes that help degrade extracellular matrix may be a novel biomarker for ovarian cancer. hK10, a serine protease, which is highly expressed in the ovaries, is also elevated in ovarian cancer cells. This protein is secreted and can be measured in the serum. High levels of this protein in the serum strongly associated with poor prognosis. The specificity of this marker is superior to the CA-125 marker currently being used. Together with CA-125, hK10 could be used to diagnose ovarian cancer at an early stage.
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