Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer by targeting YAP1 and STAT3 pathways. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for increasing sensitivity of cancer in a subject to chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy comprising the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a YAP1 inhibitor and a STAT3 inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating subjects having cancer based on the identification of pharmaceutical agents that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified. These methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a COX2 inhibitor and an effective amount of a YAP1 inhibitor. In addition, methods of enhancing chemotherapeutic responses in cancer patients have been discovered and are described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting a cellular proliferative disorder (e.g., urothelial cancer) in a subject by assessing the methylation status of the GULP1 promoter in a nucleic acid sample. The methods of the invention are useful for diagnostic, prognostic as well as therapeutic regimen predictions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting urothelial carcinomas. In one embodiment, a method comprises the step of detecting CD24, CD49f and NANOG in a urine sample obtained from a patient suspected of having urothelial carcinoma. In a specific embodiment, the detection step comprises polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In certain embodiment, the PCR step utilizes at least one primer comprising SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 23, 24, 13 and 14. In another embodiment, the method further comprises treating the patient with one or more of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating subjects having cancer based on the identification of pharmaceutical agents that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified. These methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a COX2 inhibitor and an effective amount of a YAP1 inhibitor. In addition, methods of enhancing chemotherapeutic responses in cancer patients have been discovered and are described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting a cellular proliferative disorder (e.g., urothelial cancer) in a subject by assessing the methylation status of the CCND2, CCNA1 or CALCA promoter in a nucleic acid sample. The methods of the invention are useful for diagnostic, prognostic as well therapeutic regimen predictions.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating subjects having cancer based on the identification of pharmaceutical agents that target cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified. These methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of a COX2 inhibitor and an effective amount of a YAP1 inhibitor. In addition, methods of enhancing chemotherapeutic responses in cancer patients have been discovered and are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying a cell that exhibits or is predisposed to exhibiting unregulated growth by detecting hypermethylation of a gene or a regulatory region in at least one gene in the cell. Also provided are methods for diagnosis or prognosis of ovarian cancer in a subject. Also provided are methods of ameliorating ovarian cancer in a subject by administering to the subject an agent that demethylates a hypermethylated gene or regulatory region thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying a cell that exhibits or is predisposed to exhibiting unregulated growth by detecting hypermethylation of a gene or a regulatory region in at least one gene in the cell. Also provided are methods for diagnosis or prognosis of ovarian cancer in a subject. Also provided are methods of ameliorating ovarian cancer in a subject by administering to the subject an agent that demethylates a hypermethylated gene or regulatory region thereof.