Method for molecular diagnosis of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis
OwnerKlaus Peter Hirthinventor
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Abstract
The invention is directed to methods of assessing the molecular stage of an disease characterized by abnormal angiogenesis. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method of determining the metastatic potential of a tumor by determining the presence of specific molecular markers. The invention is based in part on the discovery that the key marker for determining the eventual metastasis of a tumor is vascular endothelia growth factor. Knowledge of the particular markers present in a tumor condition allows the physician to tailor cancer treatment and manage the disease condition.
Claims20
A method of diagnosing metastatic disease in a human comprising:
- a) removing a sample of cells from the human;
- b) assaying the sample for VEGF transcriptional activity;
- and
- c) determining the existence of metastatic disease characterized by the induction of VEGF transcriptional activity.
A method of diagnosing metastatic disease in a human consisting of:
- a) removing a sample of tissue or fluid from the human;
- b) assaying for the presence of VEGF protein in the sample;
- and
- c) determining the existence of metastatic disease by the presence of VEGF protein, wherein the abnormal presence of VEGF protein indicates the presence of metastatic disease.
A method of diagnosing metastasis in a human comprising:
- a) detectably labeling a ligand which specifically recognizes VEGF;
- b) administering the labeled ligand to the human;
- and
- c) detecting the localization of the labeled antibody or fusion protein in the human, wherein the abnormal localization of VEGF is indicative of a metastatic disease.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.