Abraxis backs SPARC as prognostic biomarker

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) may play a role in tumor growth and angiogenesis, according to preclinical data presented at AACR 2009.

Researchers at Abraxis BioScience, the manufacturer of Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel), found that recombinant human SPARC grown in vitro fostered angiogenesis and the development of mature blood vessels. SPARC may play a greater role in the angiogenic process beyond initiating the growth of new blood vessels, they said (abstracts 1478, 2572, 3769, 4017, 5168).