Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: A biodegradable radioactive seed placement system is provided comprising a thin, flexible, biodegradable sheath having at least one radioactive isotope seed positioned between a first end and a second end. Additionally, at least one spacer can be positioned between the first end and the second end adjacent to a radioactive isotope seed. The sheath/seed assembly can be loaded into a needle and implanted from the needle into a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for detecting, enriching, and analyzing circulating tumor cells and other particles. The invention further features methods of diagnosing a condition, e.g., cancer, in a subject by analyzing a cellular sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to determine the likelihood of effectiveness of a treatment in an individual affected with or at risk for developing cancer. The method involves detecting the presence or absence of Met amplification in an individual. The presence of Met amplification indicates that a Met targeting treatment is likely to be effective. Preferably, the Met targeting treatment is PHA-665752 or PF-02341066. In addition, the present methods allow for the detection of cancer in an individual, wherein the presence of Met amplification indicates that cancer is present and further that it will be treatable, namely with a Met targeting treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a newly identified tumor suppressor gene, designated DOS (for Deleted in Osteosarcoma and alternatively referred to herein as DOCK 3) which has been cloned from human and mouse cells. The DOS nucleic acid and protein molecules and their use in the diagnosing and treating disorders characterized by aberrant DOS molecule expression are described.

Abstract: A biodegradable radioactive seed placement system is provided comprising a thin, flexible, biodegradable sheath having at least one radioactive isotope seed positioned between a first end and a second end. Additionally, at least one spacer can be positioned between the first end and the second end adjacent to a radioactive isotope seed. The sheath/seed assembly can be loaded into a needle and implanted from the needle into a patient.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with 11p3 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in predominantly in kidney and gonadal tissue. The gene is alternative spliced producing four very similar mRNA transcripts. The polypeptides encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four “zinc fingers” and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a novel Drosophila gene, salavador, and to the discovery of a tumor suppressor function for its human counterpart. The salvador nucleic acid and protein molecules, their use in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders characterized by aberrant salvador molecule expression, as well as various research uses are described.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with 11p3 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in predominantly in kidney and gonadal tissue. The gene is alternative spliced producing four very similar mRNA transcripts. The polypeptides encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four “zinc fingers” and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with 11p3 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in predominantly in kidney and gonadal tissue. The gene is alternative spliced producing four very similar mRNA transcripts. The polypeptides encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four “zinc fingers” and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.

Abstract: Analysis of the genes whose expression is affected by BRCA1 has identified a set of genes, each of which is up- or down-regulated by BRCA1. Each of these genes, alone or in groups, can be used to determine the mutational status of a BRCA1 gene, to determine whether a particular allelic variant affects BRCA1 function, to diagnose neoplasia, and to help identify candidate drugs which may be useful as anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with 11p3 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in predominantly in kidney and gonadal tissue. The gene is alternative spliced producing four very similar mRNA transcripts. The polypeptides encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four “zinc fingers” and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.

Abstract: Analysis of the genes whose expression is affected by BRCA1 has identified a set of genes, each of which is up- or down-regulated by BRCA1. Each of these genes, alone or in groups, can be used to determine the mutational status of a BRCA1 gene, to determine whether a particular allelic variant affects BRCA1 function, to diagnose neoplasia, and to help identify candidate drugs which may be useful as anti-neoplastic agents.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing cancers, drug-screening, and functionally analyzing mutations involving the WT1 gene. The methods involve use of the newly identified set of genes which are regulated by WT1 as well as by the set of genes which are regulated by WT1 fusions to EWS. Monitoring expression levels of these sets of genes can be used as an indicator of the genetic status of the gene. It can also identify which have similar effects on down-stream genes.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with 11p3 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in predominantly in kidney and gonadal tissue. The gene is alternative spliced producing four very similar mRNA transcripts. The polypeptides encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four "zinc fingers" and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.

Abstract: The Wilms' tumor gene associated with the 11p13 locus on the human chromosome, as well as a method of analyzing cells for the gene is described and characterized. The gene encodes a transcription unit approximately 50 kb in size and a mRNA of approximately 3 kb, which is expressed in a limited number of cell types (e.g., predominantly kidney cells and ja subset of hematopoietic cells). The polypeptide encoded by the Wilms' tumor DNA includes four "zinc fingers" and a region rich in proline and glutamine, suggesting that the polypeptide has a role in transcription regulation.