Abstract: The present invention concerns polymorphisms in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), gene. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed at compositions and methods involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter of the EGFR gene that affect EGFR expression. The identification of polymorphisms associated with EGFR expression or activity enables novel methods and compositions for evaluating the potential efficacy and toxicity of an EGFR-targeting therapeutic agent, predicting a patient's clinical prognosis, and evaluating a patient's risk of developing a disease that is associated with EGFR dysregulation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the methods and compositions for evaluating the risk of ironotecan toxicity in a cancer patient based on the genotype of the patient at position ?3156 of the UGT1A1 gene or at any position in linkage disequilibrium with the ?3156 variant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting the presence of genetic polymorphisms that correlate with altered gene expression. More specifically, the present invention is directed to methods for detecting the genetic polymorphisms located in the UGT1A1 promoter. The invention also provides methods for optimizing drug dosages based upon the presence of the polymorphisms. The invention further provides methods of predicting sensitivity to xenobiotics and diagnostic kits for detecting genetic polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for detecting the presence of genetic polymorphisms that correlate with altered gene expression. More specifically, the present invention is directed to methods for detecting the genetic polymorphisms located in the UGT1A1 promoter. The invention also provides methods for optimizing drug dosages based upon the presence of the polymorphisms. The invention further provides methods of predicting sensitivity to xenobiotics and diagnostic kits for detecting genetic polymorphisms.