Abstract: The invention provides a method for isolating or enriching a rare cell from a biological fluid of a mammal employing an antibody that binds a cell-surface antigen of the rare cell. The immobilized antibody is incubated with a sample of biological fluid that includes the rare cells and a plurality of other cells so as to form an antibody-rare cell complex. The complex can be detected or isolated and subsequently analyzed by any of a variety of physical, chemical and genetic techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for isolating or enriching a rare cell from a biological fluid of a mammal employing an antibody that binds a cell-surface antigen of the rare cell. The immobilized antibody is incubated with a sample of biological fluid that includes the rare cells and a plurality of other cells so as to form an antibody-rare cell complex. The complex can be detected or isolated and subsequently analyzed by any of a variety of physical, chemical and genetic techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for isolating or enriching a rare cell from a biological fluid of a mammal employing an antibody that binds a cell-surface antigen of the rare cell. The immobilized antibody is incubated with a sample of biological fluid that includes the rare cells and a plurality of other cells so as to form an antibody-rare cell complex. The complex can be detected or isolated and subsequently analyzed by any of a variety of physical, chemical and genetic techniques.

Abstract: An immunoassay of proteolytic protein fragments is described, including immunoassays of proteolytic fragments of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs). In one embodiment, a sandwich-type “two-site” immunoassay involves two different recognition antibody partners, in which one antibody is specific for a proteolytic epitope of a protein fragment, and the other is specific for the protein fragment. An assay embodiment involves a first-step capturing of the protein fragment with a specific anti-protein antibody that binds to the proteolytic epitope of the protein fragment, and a second-step detection of the bound protein fragment with an antibody directed against the protein fragment. The various embodiments of the systems and methods of the invention are exemplified by immunoassays for proteolytic fragments of Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), such as IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-5.

Abstract: An immunoassay of phosphorylated isoforms (phosphoforms, phosphoisoforms) of peptides, proteins, or their various related forms is described. In one embodiment, a sandwich-type “two-site” immunoassays involving two different recognition antibody partners, in which one antibody is specific for the protein or peptide and the other is specific for a known or discovered phosphorylated amino acid residue. An assay embodiment involves a first-step capturing of the protein or peptide with a specific anti-protein antibody, and a second-step detection of the bound phosphorylated isoform of the protein with an antibody directed against a known phosphorylated residue coupled to a label or a reporter molecule. The various embodiments of the compositions and methods of the invention are exemplified by immunoassays for phosphoforms of IGFBPs, such as IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-5, which contain phosphorylated serine residues.

Abstract: Method of monitoring or diagnosing disease conditions, including disease of the prostrate, that involve measuring a combination of tumour markers and at least one component of the IGF axis. The invention is exemplified with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, the tumor marker prostate specific antigen, and the insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins.

Abstract: Method of monitoring or diagnosing disease conditions, including disease of the prostate, that involve measuring a combination of tumor markers and at least one component of the IGF axis. The invention is exemplified with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia, the tumor marker prostate specific antigen, and the insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening or testing for insulin like growth factors, insulin like growth factor binding proteins and/or acid labile subunit by the use of a solid support. Blood is collected onto a solid support, such as paper, and subsequently the analytes of interest are extracted for testing.

Abstract: A method of assaying the growth hormone status of an individual by immuno-assay for the 150 KDa Insulin-like Growth Factor ternary complex (IGF/IGFBP-3/ALS). Alternatively, a binary complex may be assayed. The method involves capturing the IGFBP complex with a first antibody coupled to a solid phase and detecting the complex with a second antibody coupled to a label. A set of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies usefutl for the assay is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening or testing for insulin like growth factors, insulin like growth factor binding proteins and/or acid labile subunit by the use of a solid support. Blood is collected onto a solid support, such as paper, and subsequently the analytes of interest are extracted for testing.

Abstract: The present invention is for an immunoassay for the measurement of total insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and is unaffected by the degree of phosphorylation of the protein. The invention is also for an immunoassay for assessing the phosphorylated variants of IGFBP-1.