Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting cancers and for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In particular, the methods of this invention utilize YKL-40 as a marker for the presence or absence of a cancer and for the prognosis (e.g. likelihood of recurrence) of a cancer. Elevated levels of YKL-40 are indicative of the presence of a cancer in undiagnosed subjects and indicate likely recurrence of the cancer in subjects diagnosed as having a cancer.

Abstract: The invention is a method of identifying the presence of a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal which contains the protein known as YKL-40. The method is a competitive immunoassay for YKL-40. It can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease and tumor metastasis (to the extent it can be correlated to serum YKL-40 levels). Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the inventive method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting cancers and for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In particular, the methods of this invention utilize YKL-40 as a marker for the presence or absence of a cancer and for the prognosis (e.g. likelihood of recurrence) of a cancer. Elevated levels of YKL-40 are indicative of the presence of a cancer in undiagnosed subjects and indicate likely recurrence of the cancer in subjects diagnosed as having a cancer.

Abstract: The invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the invention method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers.

Abstract: This invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the inventive method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers. The figure shows the elution position of substantially pure serum YKL-40 on a gel filtration column.

Abstract: This invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the inventive method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers. The figure shows the elution position of substantially pure serum YKL-40 on a gel filtration column.

Abstract: The invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the invention method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers.

Abstract: The invention is a method of identifying the presence of, and monitoring, a disease state in a mammal which is associated with degradation of connective tissue in the mammal. The method detects and determines whether diagnostically or prognostically significant levels of YKL-40 protein and/or YKL-40 peptide are present in a biological sample. The method can be used, for example, to identify the presence of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease or degeneration of connective tissue in organs. Serum YKL-40 levels as detected and quantified by the inventive method are also suggestive of the prognosis for the length of survival in breast cancer patients following recurrence and/or metastasis of their cancers. The figure shows the elution position of substantially pure serum YKL-40 on a gel filtration column.