Prediction of breast tumor progression by integrity of free circulating DNA in serum.

Purpose: Cell-free DNA circulating in serum is a candidate molecular biomarker for malignant tumors. Unlike uniformly truncated DNA released from apoptotic cells, DNA released from dead cancer cells varies in size. Serum DNA integrity, the ratio of longer fragments to total DNA, may be clinically useful for detecting breast cancer progression.

Enhancement of immunity by a DNA melanoma vaccine against TRP2 with CCL21 as an adjuvant.

Tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) is a weak antigen expressed in murine and human melanomas. Induction of antibody (Ab) response and T-cell immunity toward TRP2 with DNA plasmid vaccines has not been efficient to date. Recent studies have suggested that a chemokine ligand for the CCR7 (CCL21) present on T-cells and dendritic cells is important in activating and regulating immunity.