Abstract: Provided herein are methods and assays relating to the diagnosis and treatment of a taxane-resistant cancer. Such methods and assays comprise determining the level of expression of miR-135a in a biological sample from a subject having or suspected of having a taxane-resistant cancer or from a subject that was or is being treated with a taxane anti-cancer agent. Also provided herein are methods for treating such cancers by administering an inhibitor of the miR-135a pathway and a taxane to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and assays relating to the diagnosis and treatment of a taxane-resistant cancer. Such methods and assays comprise determining the level of expression of miR-135a in a biological sample from a subject having or suspected of having a taxane-resistant cancer or from a subject that was or is being treated with a taxane anti-cancer agent. Also provided herein are methods for treating such cancers by administering an inhibitor of the miR-135a pathway and a taxane to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An in vivo assay for assessing the metastatic potential of cancer cells has been developed. This is a functional assay that also allows for screening of compounds that are selective for metastatic cancer. Metastatic cancer is established in animals by intravenous injection of metastatic cancer cells before treatments are tested. This assay has been used to identify benzimidazoles for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancers. The benzimidazole(s) can be formulated for enteral or parenteral administration. In one embodiment, the compositions are formulated for parenteral administration. Compositions containing a benzimidazole exhibit greater cytotoxicity against cell lines prone to metastasis than against cells lines that are less prone to metastasis in vitro. The benzimidazoles described herein were effective at treating metastatic prostate cancer in bone.