Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of predictive markers that can be used to determine whether patients with cancer are expected to demonstrate long term or short term survival times. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of certain individual and/or combinations of predictive markers, wherein the expression of the predictive markers correlates with expected short term or long term survival. Thus, by examining the expression levels of individual predictive markers and/or predictive markers comprising a marker set, it is possible to determine predicted patient survival.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification of predictive markers that can be used to determine whether patients with cancer are clinically responsive or non-responsive to a therapeutic regimen prior to treatment. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of certain individual and/or combinations of predictive markers, wherein the expression of the predictive markers correlates with responsiveness or non-responsiveness to a therapeutic regimen. Thus, by examining the expression levels of individual predictive markers and/or predictive markers comprising a marker set, it is possible to determine whether a therapeutic agent, or combination of agents, will be most likely to reduce the growth rate of tumors in a clinical setting.

Abstract: A process is described in which compacted aspartame is treated by milling to produce aspartame powder having a substantial portion of particles less than 20 &mgr;m, while obtaining a greater bulk density than commercially available aspartame powders having similar particle size distributions. Air classification can also be used to produce an aspartame powder having a substantial amount of particles less than 20 &mgr;m and having a high bulk density. Aspartame powders having this particle size distribution and bulk density possess exceptionally good properties as regards to bulk density and flow.