Methods and Nucleic Acids for the Detection of Metastasis of Colon Cell Proliferative Disorders

Abstract

The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 630,620 filed Dec. 7, 2007, now pending; which is a 35 USC §371 National Stage application of International Application No. PCT / US05 / 22391 filed Jun. 23, 2005; which claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Application Ser. No. 60 / 582,675 filed Jun. 23, 2004, now expired. The disclosure of each of the prior applications is considered part of and is incorporated by reference in the disclosure of this application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Aspects of this invention relate to cancer and cancer progression and metastasis, and more particularly to colon cancer progression and metastasis and to novel methods and compositions for detection of colon cancer and progression and metastasis thereof.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death throughout the world, it ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"This patent is about a new method for detecting and measuring the progression and metastasis of colon cancer. The method involves analyzing the DNA of cancer cells to detect specific changes that occur during the development of colon cancer. These changes include mutations in the APC gene and the epigenetic modification of DNA methylation. The patent describes a new method for detecting and measuring these changes using a technique called bisulfate modification of DNA. This method can help to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind colon cancer progression and metastasis, and can also help to develop new treatments for the disease."

Problems solved by technology

However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression and the formation of metastasis of colon cancer are still largely unknown.

However, epigenetic changes of the ARC gene in colorectal cancer metastasis have not been explored yet.

However, 5-methylcytosine positions cannot be identified by sequencing, because 5-methylcytosine has the same base pairing behavior as cytosine.

Moreover, the epigenetic information carried by 5-methylcytosine is completely lost during, e.g., PCR amplification.

Significantly, however, 5-methylcytosine remains unmodified under these conditions.

Treatment of metastatic colon cancer currently has a low success rate.

Although a number of patients with isolated metastases to the liver have undergone surgical removal of liver metastases and been reported to experience long-term cancer-free survival, the majority of patients with isolated liver metastases ultimately fail treatment because the cancer recurs locally in the liver and / or elsewhere in the body.

Administration of systemic chemotherapy has the potential to eradicate cancer cells remaining in the body following surgical removal of the liver metastases, and direct infusion of chemotherapy into the liver via the hepatic artery has the potential to destroy remaining cancer cells in the liver.

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