Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is detected in a patient with liver disease. Mass spectrometry data from a blood-based sample from the patient is compared to a reference set of mass-spectrometry data from a multitude of other patients with liver disease, including patients with and without HCC, in a general purpose computer configured as a classifier. The classifier generates a class label, such as HCC or No HCC, for the test sample. A laboratory system for early detection of HCC in patients with liver disease is also disclosed. Alternative testing strategies using AFP measurement and a reference set for classification in the form of class-labeled mass spectral data from blood-based samples of lung cancer patients are also described, including multi-stage testing.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is detected in a patient with liver disease. Mass spectrometry data from a blood-based sample from the patient is compared to a reference set of mass-spectrometry data from a multitude of other patients with liver disease, including patients with and without HCC, in a general purpose computer configured as a classifier. The classifier generates a class label, such as HCC or No HCC, for the test sample. A laboratory system for early detection of HCC in patients with liver disease is also disclosed. Alternative testing strategies using AFP measurement and a reference set for classification in the form of class-labeled mass spectral data from blood-based samples of lung cancer patients are also described, including multi-stage testing.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is detected in a patient with liver disease. Mass spectrometry data from a blood-based sample from the patient is compared to a reference set of mass-spectrometry data from a multitude of other patients with liver disease, including patients with and without HCC, in a general purpose computer configured as a classifier. The classifier generates a class label, such as HCC or No HCC, for the test sample. A laboratory system for early detection of HCC in patients with liver disease is also disclosed. Alternative testing strategies using AFP measurement and a reference set for classification in the form of class-labeled mass spectral data from blood-based samples of lung cancer patients are also described, including multi-stage testing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating subjects having tumors. For example, the invention relates to a method for treating subjects having hepatocellular carcinoma by administering an effective amount of a therapeutic prodrug.

Abstract: A method of analyzing circulating tumor cells includes separating circulating tumor cells from a subject's blood sample by filtration; separating CD45-negative cells from any retained blood cells; and determining the EMT-related gene expression profiles, nanomechanical and/or nanochemical properties of the collected CD45-negative CTC cells. Analysis of the collected circulating tumor cells enables the investigators to make a quick and accurate assessment of the metastatic behavior of the subject's circulating tumor cells for early castration-resistance and metastasis prediction in a clinical setting.

Abstract: A method of treating a proliferative disorder, and a pharmaceutical composition for use in such a method, comprises administering to the patient a combination of an agonist of a death receptor and an antagonist of Egr-1.