The disclosed nucleic acid primer sets, used in combination with
quantitative amplification (PCR) of tissue cDNA, can indicate the presence
of specific proteases in a tissue sample. Specifically, the present
invention relates to expression of PUMP-1 protease (matrix metalloprotease
7). The detected proteases are themselves specifically over-expressed in
certain cancers, and their presence may serve for early detection of
associated ovarian and other malignancies, and for the design of
interactive therapies for cancer treatment.
