Method for determining the prognosis of cancer patients by measuring levels of bag expression

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for determining a prognosis of disease free or overall survival in a patient suffering from cancer. Also provided are methods for predicting the risk of tumor recurrence or spread in an individual having a cancer tumor. Methods for screening a cancer patient to determine the risk of tumor metastasis; methods for determining the proper course of treatment for a patient suffering from cancer; and kits for use in practicing the invention methods.

Description

[0001]Portions of the invention described herein were made in the course of research supported in part by NIH grant CA-67329. The Government may have certain rights in this invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to determining the risk of progression or spread of cancers.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]Prognosis in clinical cancer is an area of great concern and interest. It is important to know the aggressiveness of the malignant cells and the likelihood of tumor recurrence or spread in order to plan the most effective therapy. Breast cancer, for example, is managed by several alternative strategies. One of every nine women currently develops breast cancer at some point in her life. In some cases local-regional therapy is utilized, consisting of mastectomy or lumpectomy with or without radiation, while in other cases when spread of disease is detected or suspected, systemic therapy is instituted, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Among wom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for determining a prognosis of disease free or overall survival in a patient suffering from cancer. In one embodiment, it has been found that high levels or “overproduction” of BAG proteins in primary tumor tissue show an unexpected and surprisingly high correlation with lack of tumor recurrence or spread, and therefore long-term disease free or overall survival.

[0007]Thus, the present invention advantageously provides a significant advancement in cancer management because early identification of patients at risk for tumor recurrence or spread will permit aggressive early treatment with significantly enhanced potential for survival.

Problems solved by technology

However, even with these additional factors, practitioners are still unable to accurately predict the course of disease for all breast cancer patients.

But since the majority (about 70%) of these patients enjoy long-term survival following surgery and / or radiotherapy without further treatment, it may be inappropriate to recommend adjuvant therapy for all of these patients.

Images