The MUC1 gene produces a protein designed to protect the linings and coverings of cells. It’s a glycoprotein, which is a protein linked to sugar chains. Glycoproteins help mark and identify cells, aid the immune system, provide structural support, and help protect the mucus layers of organs.
Sometimes, situations like inflammation or an error in the cell’s signaling pathways cause too much production of the MUC1 protein (overexpression). When this happens, it can lead to an environment that doesn’t only allow cancer to form but helps it spread. It can also lead to inflammatory diseases.
Biomarker testing can be run on tumor samples to determine if a patient has an overexpression of MUC1.
A variety of drugs as well as vaccines are being researched in clinical trials studying MUC1 overexpression. It’s a hopeful, emerging “pan-tumor” biomarker, meaning discoveries could apply to many solid cancer types.
Your treatment plan will be unique and dependent on several factors. Ask your doctor how your biomarker test results are informing your treatment plan and if you qualify for any clinical trials.
