Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting or determining the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent and for treating a mammalian tumor comprising detecting and quantifying the SPARC protein or RNA in a sample isolated from the mammal. The invention further provides kit for predicting the response of a mammalian tumor to a chemotherapeutic agent, comprising a means for the isolation of protein or RNA from the tumor, a SPARC protein or RNA detection and quantification means, control RNAs, and rules for predicting the response of the tumor based on the level of SPARC protein or RNA in tumor.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-SPARC antibody-based techniques for predicting a response to chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating a proliferative disease (such as cancer) comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a hedgehog inhibitor that inhibits a hedgehog signaling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. He human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The inventor also provides methods for reducing on or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides multiparametric anti-SPARC antibody-based techniques for predicting the response to therapy, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical therapy and combination therapies

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating proliferative diseases (such as cancer) comprising a first therapy comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a second therapy which may include, for example, radiation, surgery, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of administering to an individual a drug taxane in a nanoparticle composition based on a metronomic dosing regime.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating proliferative diseases (such as cancer) comprising a first therapy comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a second therapy which may include, for example, radiation, surgery, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of administering to an individual a drug taxane in a nanoparticle composition based on a metronomic dosing regime.

Abstract: The invention provides SPARC antisense oligonucleotides and methods of their use in proliferative diseases such as cancer and hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods which exploit the discovery of the SPARC carboxy angiogenic domain.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery of substantially water insoluble pharmacologically active agents (such as the anticancer drug paclitaxel) in which the pharmacologically active agent is delivered in the form of suspended particles coated with protein (which acts as a stabilizing agent). In particular, protein and pharmacologically active agent in a biocompatible dispersing medium are subjected to high shear, in the absence of any conventional surfactants, and also in the absence of any polymeric core material for the particles. The procedure yields particles with a diameter of less than about 1 micron. The use of specific composition and preparation conditions (e.g., addition of a polar solvent to the organic phase), and careful selection of the proper organic phase and phase fraction, enables the reproducible production of unusually small nanoparticles of less than 200 nm diameter, which can be sterile-filtered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. He human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The inventor also provides methods for reducing on or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides SPARC binding antibodies that have high affinity to SPARC, particularly plasma SPARC, and methods of using such antibodies in treating conditions including cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are SPARC and albumin binding peptides for the targeting of disease sites, such as tumors, with therapeutic and diagnostic agents In particular, compositions comprising SPARC binding peptide—Antibody Fc domain fusion proteins and methods of their use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides multiparametric anti-SPARC antibody-based techniques for predicting the response to chemotherapy.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising SPARC binding ScFc and its use.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a disease site in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the therapeutic or diagnostic agent coupled to an albumin binding peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents and stabilizing agents which function to increase stability of the compositions. The use of stabilizing agents provide extended stability of nanoparticle suspensions and other formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents such as docetaxel under certain conditions, for example upon dilution for administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides combination therapy methods of treating proliferative diseases (such as cancer) comprising a first therapy comprising administering to an individual an effective amount of a taxane in a nanoparticle composition, and a second therapy which may include, for example, radiation, surgery, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, or combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of administering to an individual a drug taxane in a nanoparticle composition based on a metronomic dosing regime.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel 2,6-diisopropyl phenol2,6-diisopropyl phenol analogs and sterile, stable pharmaceutical compositions of 2,6-diisopropyl phenol 2,6-diisopropyl phenol and analogs thereof useful as an antioxidant in the treatment of ischemic injury including stroke and other cerebral injury. 2,6-diisopropyl phenol or its analogs are administered in a dosage effective to produce blood levels and brain levels of the drug that can prevent free radical damage associated with ischemic injury.