Office of Technology Development

Use of Metastatic Gene Signatures in the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Metastasis and Tumor Self-Seeding

SK1182/SK1270/SK1351/SK1375

Summary of Invention

This portfolio describes the use of metastatic gene signatures as a tool for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of metastases and tumor self-seeding. Included is a method to determine the metastatic and self-seeding potential of a variety of cancers as well as screen for potential compounds that block metastasis and/or self-seeding (SK1270). The unique gene signatures which drive breast cancer metastasis to the lung and brain (SK1182/SK1351/SK1375) were identified using the methods described in SK1270. The ability to determine the unique gene signatures of metastatic cancer cells allows identification of critical regulators of metastasis and potential new therapeutic targets.

Lead Inventors

Joan Massagué, PhD
Larry Norton, MD

Relevant Publications and Patent Status

SKI Reference	Title	Peer-Reviewed Publication	Patent Status
SK1182	Genes that mediate breast cancer metastasis to the lung	Nature (2005) Vol 436 Pg 518	US Patent: 8,178,505 and US Div Application No: 13/447,684
SK1270	Assay for anti-metastatic agents	Nature (2005) Vol 436 Pg 518	US Patent: 7,829,066
SK1351	Gene Signatures for the Prognosis of Breast Cancer	Cell (2008) Vol 133 Pg 66	US Publication No: 2011/0053804
SK1375	Genes That Mediate Metastasis and Primary Tumor Growth	Nature (2009) Vol 459 Pg 1005	US Publication No:2010/0029748

Contact Information

Lisa Placanica, PhD
Licensing Manager
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: placanil@mskcc.org

Technology Types

Research Tools

breast (brest)

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gene (jeen)

The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

lung (lung)

One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastasis (meh-TAS-tuh-sis)

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik)

Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastatic cancer

Cancer that has spread from the place in which it started to other parts of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prognosis (prog-NO-sis)

The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

therapeutic (THAYR-uh-PYOO-tik)

Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)