Cancer Marker Discovery and Validation

Summary of Invention

The study of circulating tumor cells can yield important biologic and clinical information. Yet, it has been limited by the paucity of specific and sensitive markers. Pre-genomic approaches rely on known tumor-associated phenotypes or genetic aberrations. The present invention features novel methods and compositions for identifying markers of minimum residual disease (MRD), as well as markers of metastatic cells. It also provides methods for detecting MRD and metastatic cells in a subject. It utilizes genome-wide scanning for expressed genes in tumors versus blood and bone marrow and has, i.e. identified a three- marker signature prognostic for overall survival and survival without new metastasis in Ewing family tumors.

Advantages

Monitoring of tumor activity previously undetectable by standard histologic and radiographic techniques
Selection of specific and sensitive cancer marker sets for different cancers based on a marker discovery algorithm
Accurate quantitation of MRD
Prognostic indicators for overall survival
Identification of optimal timing for adjuvant therapy in patients
Validation studies in various patient cohorts has been achieved

Area of Application

Prognostic/diagnostic methods

Stage of Development

Clinically validated in various patient cohorts. E.g. neuroblastoma, Ewing Family Sarcomas, metastatic breast cancer, osteosarcoma, metastatic prostate cancer etc.