Novel genes, compositions, kits, and methods for identification, assessment, prevention, and therapy of ovarian cancer
OwnerJohn Lee, Pamela Thompson +1inventors
InventorsJohn Lee, Pamela Thompson, James Lillie
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Abstract
The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human ovarian cancers. A variety of novel markers are provided, wherein changes in the levels of expression of one or more of the markers is correlated with the presence of ovarian cancer.
Claims66
An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of Tables 1-2, or a complement thereof.
An isolated polypeptide which is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of Tables 1-2.
A method of assessing whether a patient is afflicted with ovarian cancer, the method comprising comparing:
- a) the level of expression of a marker in a patient sample, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2, and
- b) the normal level of expression of the marker in a control non-ovarian cancer sample,
- wherein a significant difference between the level of expression of the marker in the patient sample and the normal level is an indication that the patient is afflicted with ovarian cancer.
A method for monitoring the progression of ovarian cancer in a patient, the method comprising:
- a) detecting in a patient sample at a first point in time, the expression of a marker, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2;
- b) repeating step a) at a subsequent point in time;
- and
- c) comparing the level of expression detected in steps a) and b), and therefrom monitoring the progression of ovarian cancer.
A method of assessing the efficacy of a test compound for inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient, the method comprising comparing:
- a) expression of a marker in a first sample obtained from the patient and exposed to the test compound, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2, and
- b) expression of the marker in a second sample obtained from the patient, wherein the sample is not exposed to the test compound,
- wherein a significantly lower level of expression of the marker in the first sample, relative to the second sample, is an indication that the test compound is efficacious for inhibiting ovarian cancer in the patient.
A method of assessing the efficacy of a therapy for inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient, the method comprising comparing:
- a) expression of a marker in the first sample obtained from the patient prior to providing at least a portion of the therapy to the patient, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2, and
- b) expression of the marker in a second sample obtained from the patient following provision of the portion of the therapy,
- wherein a significantly lower level of expression of the marker in the second sample, relative to the first sample, is an indication that the therapy is efficacious for inhibiting ovarian cancer in the patient.
A method of selecting a composition for inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient, the method comprising:
- a) obtaining a sample comprising cancer cells from the patient;
- b) separately exposing aliquots of the sample in the presence of a plurality of test compositions;
- c) comparing expression of a marker in each of the aliquots, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2;
- and
- d) selecting one of the test compositions which alters the level of expression of the marker in the aliquot containing that test composition, relative to other test compositions.
A method of inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient, the method comprising:
- a) obtaining a sample comprising cancer cells from the patient;
- b) separately maintaining aliquots of the sample in the presence of a plurality of test compositions;
- c) comparing expression of a marker in each of the aliquots, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2;
- and
- d) administering to the patient at least one of the test compositions which alters the level of expression of the marker in the aliquot containing that test composition, relative to other test compositions.
A kit for assessing whether a patient is afflicted with ovarian cancer, the kit comprising reagents for assessing expression of a marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A kit for assessing the presence of ovarian cancer cells, the kit comprising a nucleic acid probe wherein the probe specifically binds with a transcribed polynucleotide corresponding to a marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A kit for assessing the suitability of each of a plurality of compounds for inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient, the kit comprising:
- a) the plurality of compounds;
- and
- b) a reagent for assessing expression of a marker selected from the 5 group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method of making an isolated hybridoma which produces an antibody useful for assessing whether a patient is afflicted with ovarian cancer, the method comprising:
- isolating a protein or protein fragment corresponding to a marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2;
- immunizing a mammal using the isolated protein or protein fragment;
- isolating splenocytes from the immunized mammal;
- fusing the isolated splenocytes with an immortalized cell line to form hybridomas;
- and
- screening individual hybridomas for production of an antibody which specifically binds with the protein or protein fragment to isolate the hybridoma.
A kit for assessing the presence of human ovarian cancer cells, the kit comprising an antibody, wherein the antibody specifically binds with a protein or protein fragment corresponding to a marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method of assessing the ovarian cell carcinogenic potential of a test compound, the method comprising:
- a) maintaining separate aliquots of ovarian cells in the presence and absence of the test compound;
- and
- b) comparing expression of a marker in each of the aliquots, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2,
- wherein a significantly altered level of expression of the marker in the aliquot maintained in the presence of the test compound, relative to the aliquot maintained in the absence of the test compound, is an indication that the test compound possesses human ovarian cell carcinogenic potential.
A kit for assessing the ovarian cell carcinogenic potential of a test compound, the kit comprising ovarian cells and a reagent for assessing expression of a marker, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method of inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient at risk for developing ovarian cancer, the method comprising inhibiting expression of a gene corresponding to a marker selected from the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method of treating a patient afflicted with ovarian cancer, the method comprising providing to cells of the patient an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to a polynucleotide corresponding to a marker selected from the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method of inhibiting ovarian cancer in a patient at risk for developing ovarian cancer, the method comprising decreasing expression of a gene corresponding to a marker selected from the markers listed in Tables 1-2.
A method for determining whether ovarian cancer has metastasized in a patient, the method comprising comparing:
- a) the level of expression of a marker in a patient smaple, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Tables 1-2, and
- b) the normal level or non-metastatic level of expression of the marker in a control sample wherein a significant difference betweent he level of expression in the patient sample and the normal level or non-metastatic level is an indication that the ovarian cancer has mestastasized.
A method for assessing the aggressiveness or indolence of ovarian cancer comprising comparing:
- a) the level of expression of a marker in a sample, wherein at least one marker is selected from the markers of Tables 1-2, and
- b) the normal level of expression of the marker in a control sample, wherein a significant difference between the level of expression in the sample and the normal level is an indication that the cancer is aggressive or indolent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.