Abstract: A process is set forth in which cancer of the colon is assessed in a patient. The probabilities of developing cancer involves the initial step of extracting a set of sample body fluids from the patient. Fluids can be evaluated to determine certain marker constituents in the body fluids. Fluids which are extracted have some relationship to me development of cancer, precancer or tendency toward cancerous conditions. The body fluid markers are measured and other quantified. The marker data then is evaluated using a nonlinear technique exemplified through the use of a multiple input and multiple output neural network having a variable learning rate and training rate. The neural network is provided with data from other patients for the same or similar markers. Data from other patients who did and did not have cancer is used in the learning of the neural network which thereby processes the data and provides a determination that the patient has a cancerous condition, precancer cells or a tendency towards cancer.

Abstract: A process is set forth in which cancer of the colon is assessed in a patient. The probabilities of developing cancer involves the initial step of extracting a set of sample body fluids from the patient. Fluids can be evaluated to determine certain marker constituents in the body fluids. Fluids which are extracted have some relationship to me development of cancer, precancer or tendency toward cancerous conditions. The body fluid markers are measured and other quantified. The marker data then is evaluated using a nonlinear technique exemplified through the use of a multiple input and multiple output neural network having a variable learning rate and training rate. The neural network is provided with data from other patients for the same or similar markers. Data from other patients who did and did not have cancer is used in the leaning of the neural network which thereby processes the data and provides a determination that the patient has a cancerous condition, precancer cells or a tendency towards cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screening assay for determining the amount of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD-1) in extra-cellular body fluids, for use in determining Trisomy 21 Down syndrome in a fetus. The assay can be done by any of a number of well known techniques including Radioimmunoassay, an Enzyme Linked Immunoassay, or a luminescence assay, single or tandem antibody type, carried out in solid or liquid phase. Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies can be used. In the preferred embodiment, the assay is used to determine SOD-1 levels in amniotic fluid. A level above a threshold indicates a high probability of Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome for the fetus.