Abstract: We have constructed bispecific antibody engaging molecules which have one arm that specifically engages a tumor cell which expresses the human EGFRvIII mutant protein on its surface, and a second arm that specifically engages T cell activation ligand CD3. The engaging molecules are highly cytotoxic and antigen-specific. These are promising therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming Immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells.

Abstract: Detection of human antibodies directed against the tumor-specific protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant Class III (EGFRvIII) provide information on tumor burden and vaccine response. The methods of the invention permit the specific identification of antibodies that are able to bind to EGFRvIII. The methods are useful in determining the presence of an EGFRvIII-expressing tumor and in detecting immune responses following immunization with EGFRvIII-derived peptide as part of a cancer immunotherapy regimen.

Abstract: The invention provides high affinity antibodies suitable for forming immunotoxins that inhibit the growth of cells expressing human glycoprotein NMB, including glioblastoma multiform cells, anaplastic astrocytoma cells, anaplastic oligodendroglioma cells, oligodendroglioma cells, and melanoma cells.

Abstract: A method of treating lymphoma in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with lymphoma an antibody that binds to tenascin in a therapeutically effective amount. Preferably the antibody is monoclonal antibody 81C6 or an antibody that binds to the epitope bound by monoclonal antibody 81C6. Preferably the antibody is labeled with or conjugated to a chemotherapeutic agent, particularly a radioisotope such as 131I.

Abstract: The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, compositions containing the molecules, and methods of using the compositions to treat gliomas.

Abstract: An antibody having an antigen binding region capable of binding an epitope located in an extracellular portion of MRP3 and methods of utilizing same are provided. In particular, the invention provides antibodies targeted at a MRP3 antigen present on cells expressing MRP3 and methods useful in detecting or targeting cells expression the MRP3 antigen, as well as kits, nucleic acids, polypeptides, and cells for providing the antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a tumor by administering to the subject a treatment effective amount of a therapeutic antibody and an alkylating agent.

Abstract: The concurrent administration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has been considered a contraindication because of the concern that the induced lymphopenia would ablate therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. Temozolomide has been shown to be an effective chemotherapeutic for patients with malignant gliomas and to deprive patients with glioblastoma (GBM) patients of this agent in order to treat with immunotherapy is controversial. Despite conventional dogma, we demonstrate that both chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be delivered concurrently without negating the effects of immunotherapy, in fact, the temozolomide induced lymphopenia may actually be synergistic with a peptide vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoassays for detecting a tumor in a subject, comprising producing an antibody that specifically binds to tenascin, contacting the antibody with a biological sample suspected of containing tumor cells and determining the binding of the antibody to the biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of identifying a subject for treatment of a tumor. Kits for direct or indirect immunohistochemical or immunocytochemical assays are also provided. A novel polyclonal antibody that binds to tenascin domain TNfn C-D is further provided.

Abstract: Vaccination with an allogeneic cell line modified with genetic material encoding specific protein antigens is an effective technique for the delivery of protein antigens to the host's antigen presentation system. The immune response generated by this vaccine is restricted by the major histocompatibility complex type of the host and not the vaccinating cell line. This immunization strategy may be used to treat or prevent tumors or infectious diseases of a mammal.

Abstract: A method of treating lymphoma in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with lymphoma an antibody that binds to tenascin in a therapeutically effective amount. Preferably the antibody is monoclonal antibody 81C6 or an antibody that binds to the epitope bound by monoclonal antibody 81C6. Preferably the antibody is labeled with or conjugated to a chemotherapeutic agent, particularly a radioisotope such as 131I.

Abstract: L-amino acid oxidase is utilized to reduce the plasma level of large neutral amino acids to allow the opportunity of increased large neutral amino acid drug transport across the blood brain barrier. Preferably anti L-amino acid oxidase antibody is administered intermediate to the L-amino acid oxidase and large neutral amino acid drug administrations to deplete L-amino acid oxidase activity once the L-amino acid oxidase has caused the large neutral amino acid drug transport improving level plasma reduction of large neutral amino acids thereby to reduce or eliminate degrading of large neutral amino acid drugs by L-amino acid oxidase. The large neutral amino acid drugs include levodopa, melphalan, L-DON, azaserine, acivicin, L-alanosine and 3-(phosphonomethyl)phenylalanines. For treatment of brain tumors, the drug administration is preferably preceded by the administration of a large neutral amino acid glutathione depleting agent, e.g., L-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine.

Abstract: Methods of treating solid and cystic tumors are disclosed. The method comprises administering to a subject afflicted with a cystic tumor an antibody which binds to tenascin in a therapeutically effective amount. The administering step is carried out by depositing the antibody in the cyst cavity of the cystic tumor. For solid tumors, disclosed is a method involving first, removing a solid tumor from a solid tissue organ of an afflicted subject; then forming an enclosed resection cavity in the organ of the subject at the location from which the solid tumor was removed; and then administering to the subject an antineoplastic agent by depositing the antineoplastic agent in the resection cavity. Particularly preferred for carrying out the foregoing is the monoclonal antibody 81C6 and antibodies which bind to the epitope bound by monoclonal antibody 81C6.

Abstract: Methods of treating solid or cystic tumors are disclosed. The method comprises administering to a human subject afflicted with a tumor an antibody in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein the antibody is monoclonal antibody Me1-14 or an antibody which binds to the epitope bound by monoclonal antibody Me1-14, and wherein the Fc receptor of the antibody is deleted. When the tumor is a brain tumor, the antibody may be administered by intrathecal injection. If the brain tumor is a cystic brain tumor, and the administering step may be carried out by depositing the antibody in the cyst cavity of the cystic brain tumor. Particularly preferred is a monoclonal antibody Me1-14 F(ab').sub.2 fragment coupled to .sup.131 I.

Abstract: L-amino acid oxidase is utilized to reduce plasma level of large neutral amino acids to allow the opportunity of increased melphalan transport into tumors and melphalan is administered when the plasma level of L-amino acid oxidase is sufficiently low so the gain from increased transport outweighs the loss from L-amino acid oxidase-mediated metabolism of melphalan. Preferably anti L-amino acid oxidase antibody is administered intermediate the L-amino acid oxidase and melphalan administrations to deplete L-amino acid oxidase activity once the L-amino acid oxidase has caused the melphalan transport improving plasma level reduction of large neutral amino acids thereby to reduce or eliminate degrading of melphalan by L-amino acid oxidase.

Abstract: A method of treating human tumors is provided in which tumors are regionally treated with a cytolytic, pre-activated, bifunctional alkylating agent, namely 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide. The treatment is effective against a variety of tumor types within the central nervous systems.

Abstract: A denatured human O.sup.6 -guanine alkyltransferase is disclosed. The enzyme is prepared by a process which involves denaturing the enzyme, contacting the denatured enzyme with a monoclonal antibody specific for the denatured enzyme on a substrate to which the monoclonal antibody is bound to, so that the denatured enzyme and the monoclonal antibody form an immunocomplex and then, eluting the denatured enzyme from the substrate-bound monoclonal antibody so that the denatured human O.sup.6 -guanine alkyltransferase is obtained. The enzyme can be used to develop probes for the Mer.sup.- phenotype and these probes in turn are contemplated for use in identifying drug resistant tumors in patients.