IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Cancer test breakthrough

Researchers have found a protein that helps breast cancer cells spread. The protein was found in the urine of women with aggressive breast cancer and its discovery offers the prospect of early warnings for patients.

The protein and the gene that controls it are called lipocalin 2, or Lcn2. The team at Children's Hospital, Boston, showed not only that it helps the tumors spread through the body, but can be detected in a simple urine test.