Abstract: The present invention provides an active binding sequence of mammalian alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to the receptor of AFP (AFPr or RECAP). The sequence is embodied in peptides comprising Lys-Glx-Glx-Xaa-Leu-Ile-Asn (SEQ. ID. NO: 1) and variants thereof, wherein GIx means GIn or GIu, each GIx being selected independently of the other, and Xaa represents Phe or Leu. The peptides bind a site of the AFP receptor. This peptide can be used as a substitute for AFP in the detection, purification and imagining of RECAF. This peptide, as it binds to RECAF which is elevated in cancer cells, allows for a method of diagnostic determination of cancer or chemotherapeutic delivery using cytotoxic or radiological agents.

Abstract: A method for detecting cancer in a patient. The method comprises the steps of introducing labeled antibodies or labeled AFP to a biological sample of the patient so the labeled antibodies or labeled AFP will react with the AFP receptor binding sites in the biological sample. Next there is the step of identifying AFP receptor binding sites in the biological material which are reacted with the labeled antibodies or labeled AFP to determine the presence of cancer. Preferably, before the introducing step, there is the step of obtaining a biological sample from a body of a patient. A method for treating cancer cells in a patient. The method comprises the steps of introducing AFP receptor antibodies to cancer cells in the patient. Then there is the step of reacting the AFP receptor antibodies with the AFP receptor of the cancer cells to inhibit growth of the cancer cells or kill the cancer cells. A method for monitoring a patient. The method comprises the steps of treating the patient for cancer.

Abstract: A method for detecting cancer in a patient. The method comprises the steps of introducing labeled antibodies or labeled AFP to a biological sample of the patient so the labeled antibodies or labeled AFP will react with the AFP receptor binding sites in the biological sample. Next there is the step of identifying AFP receptor binding sites in the biological material which are reacted with the labeled antibodies or labeled AFP to determine the presence of cancer.

Abstract: A method for treating cancer cells in a patient. The method comprises the steps of introducing AFP receptor antibodies to cancer cells in the patient. Then there is the step of reacting the AFP receptor antibodies with the AFP receptor of the cancer cells to inhibit growth of the cancer cells or kill the cancer cells. A method for treating a patient. The method comprises the steps of testing the patient for AFP receptor. Then there is the step of introducing AFP receptor antibodies or AFP into the patient to react with cancer cells in the patient if the testing indicates AFP receptor are in the patient.

Abstract: A multiple peripheral interface to a computer serial port includes a microcontroller with an adapter serial port for coupling to a standard serial port of a common type of host computer or terminal, a plurality of peripheral ports having read/write configurable data lines for coupling to devices of a process, and a central processing unit interfaced between the adapter serial port and the peripheral ports and executing an adapter operating program to translate simple letter commands and numeric values received from the host computer to port configuration commands, port read commands, and port commands and to translate data read from the peripheral ports to numeric values for transmission back to the host computer.