New biomarker tests for dermatomyositis developed

New tests have been created that could help to identify cancer biomarkers in patients affected by the systemic inflammatory disease known as dermatomyositis.

Researchers from major universities in the US have allied to create the assays, which detect antibodies against anti-transcriptional intermediary factor-1 (TIF-1 gamma) and nuclear matrix protein NXP-2.

Most patients affected by the condition have auto-antibodies circulating in their bodies that cause distinct clinical disease features, with many of these people being at a heightened risk of malignancies.

Dr David Fiorentino from Stanford University in Redwood City, California, said: "By determining the presence or absence of NXP-2 and TIF-1 gamma antibodies, we believe that this will aid clinicians in identifying those with the highest cancer risk."

Dermatomyositis is associated with symptoms and outcomes such as muscle weakness, skin inflammation and sometimes inflammation of the lung.

It is related to polymyositis, a similar condition causing pain and weakness in larger muscles such as those around the shoulders, hips and thighs.