Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are kits for detecting and quantifying the level of a metastatic cancer biomarker(s) in a patient. The kits may contain a detection and quantifying means, such as, biomarker specific antibodies. Also provided are methods for determining a prognosis, a stratification and/or monitoring of a metastatic cancer in a patient. The level or activity of at least two biomarkers, such as obscurin, PI3K, E-cadherin, or N-cadherin is measured in a patient sample and compared to corresponding biomarkers in a control sample. A significant difference in the level or activity of the biomarkers between the patient sample and control is indicative of a metastatic cancer. In addition a method for treating a metastatic breast cancer via administration of a PI3K inhibitor and an agent that increases expression of obscurin is provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for evaluating potential for invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of an epithelial cell cancer. In the methods the expression profile of giant obscurins is detected in a tissue sample of tumor cells or suspected tumor cells and assessed for giant obscuring expression level and distribution therein. Decreased levels or altered distribution of giant obscurins in the cells compared to a control non-invasive standard or to a sample taken at a different point in time is indicative of increased potential of at least one of the invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of the epithelial cell cancer. The kit comprises a detection reagent suitable for detecting the presence and distribution of giant obscurins or an amount of the gene product(s) encoding giant obscurins in cells of a tissue sample and instructions for using the detection reagent.

Abstract: The present invention describes an integrated apparatus that enables identification of migratory cells directly from a specimen. The apparatus only requires a small number of cells to perform an assay and includes novel topographic features which can reliably differentiate between migratory and non-migratory cell populations in a sample. Both the spontaneous and chemotactic migration of cancer cells may be measured to distinguish between subpopulations within a tumor sample. The migratory cells identified using the apparatus and methods of the present invention may be separated and further analyzed to distinguish factors promoting metastasis within the population. Cells in the apparatus can be treated with chemotherapeutic or other agents to determine drug strategies to most strongly inhibit migration. The use of optically transparent materials in some embodiments allows a wide range of imaging techniques to be used for in situ imaging of migratory and non-migratory cells in the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for evaluating potential for invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of an epithelial cell cancer. In the methods the expression profile of giant obscurins is detected in a tissue sample of tumor cells or suspected tumor cells and assessed for giant obscuring expression level and distribution therein. Decreased levels or altered distribution of giant obscurins in the cells compared to a control non-invasive standard or to a sample taken at a different point in time is indicative of increased potential of at least one of the invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of the epithelial cell cancer. The kit comprises a detection reagent suitable for detecting the presence and distribution of giant obscurins or an amount of the gene product(s) encoding giant obscurins in cells of a tissue sample and instructions for using the detection reagent.