Cell response assay for cancer and methods of producing and using same

A kit, comprising:

• a first labeled probe that binds to a cancer cell type biomarker;
• a second labeled probe that binds to a chemo resistance biomarker;
• a third labeled probe that binds to a metastatic potential biomarker;
• and
• wherein the at least three labeled probes are measured at different excitations and emission wavelengths.

A method of monitoring cancer treatment in a cancer patient undergoing said treatment, the method comprising the steps of:

• measuring the levels of a cancer cell type biomarker in a first biological sample and in a second biological sample utilizing a first labeled probe that binds to said cancer cell type biomarker, wherein the first biological sample is obtained from the patient prior to exposure to a cancer treatment, and wherein the second biological sample is obtained from the patient following exposure to the cancer treatment;
• measuring the levels of a chemo resistance biomarker in the first and second biological samples utilizing a second labeled probe that binds to said chemo resistance biomarker;
• measuring the levels of a metastatic potential biomarker in the first and second biological samples utilizing a third labeled probe that binds to said metastatic potential biomarker, and wherein the at least three labeled probes are measured at different excitations and emission wavelengths;
• comparing the levels of the chemo resistance biomarker in the cells to which the first labeled probe is bound in the first and second biological samples;
• comparing the levels of the metastatic potential biomarker in the cells to which the first labeled probe is bound in the first and second biological samples;
• and
• determining that the cancer treatment is effective if the level of the chemo resistance biomarker is decreased and the level of the metastatic potential biomarker is increased in the second biological sample when compared to the first biological sample.

A method of monitoring progression/relapse of cancer in a cancer patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• measuring the levels of a cancer cell type biomarker in a first biological sample and in a second biological sample utilizing a first labeled probe that binds to said cancer cell type biomarker, wherein the first biological sample is obtained from the patient at a first time point, and the second biological sample is obtained from the patient at a subsequent time point;
• measuring the levels of a chemo resistance biomarker in the first and second biological samples utilizing a second labeled probe that binds to said chemo resistance biomarker;
• measuring the levels of a metastatic potential biomarker in the first and second biological samples utilizing a third labeled probe that binds to said metastatic potential biomarker, and wherein the at least three labeled probes are measured at different excitations and emission wavelengths;
• comparing the levels of the chemo resistance biomarker in the cells to which the first labeled probe is bound in the first and second biological samples;
• comparing the levels of the metastatic potential biomarker in the cells to which the first labeled probe is bound in the first and second biological samples;
• and
• determining that the cancer has progressed/relapsed if the level of the chemo resistance biomarker is increased and the level of the metastatic potential biomarker is decreased in the second biological sample when compared to the first biological sample.