Abstract: This invention provides information on differentially expressed genes in malignant tissue of gastric, colon and pancreatic adenocarcinomas as compared to their corresponding adjacent non-malignant tissues. These genes or their products can be used as targets in developing new strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of these gastrointestinal cancers.

Abstract: An isolated DNA sequence corresponding to a region of the SPARC gene human promoter from base pair ?513 to base pair +35 capable of driving the expression of a heterologous gene of interest, that can be associated to any other promoter sequence, such as radiation responsive sequence, hypoxia responsive sequence and free-radical responsive sequence. The invention also provides constructs and DNA recombinant expression viral vectors, comprising the isolated sequence of the SPARC gene human promoter and at least one heterologous gene operably linked thereto, wherein the promoter sequence drives the expression of the at least one heterologous gene in tumor cells. Pharmaceutical compositions and a method for treating tumors are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated DNA sequence that corresponds to a region of the human A33 gene promoter from base pair ?105 to base pair +307, able to control the expression of a heterologous gene of interest, that may be used in conjunction with any other regulatory sequence, including sequences responsive to stress such as radiation, hypoxia and free radical formation. Constructs and viral vectors for recombinant DNA expression are provided, which include this sequence of human A33 gene promoter and, operably linked thereto, at least one heterologous gene. The regulatory sequence(s) control(s) the expression of at least one heterologous gene in cells including colorectal cancer cells. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating colorectal cancer are also described.

Abstract: An isolated DNA sequence corresponding to a region of the SPARC gene human promoter from base pair ?513 to base pair +3 5 capable of driving the expression of a heterologous gene of interest, that can be associated to any other promoter sequence, such as radiation responsive sequence, hypoxia responsive sequence and free-radical responsive sequence. The invention also provides constructs and DNA recombinant expression viral vectors, comprising said isolated sequence of the SPARC gene human promoter and at least one heterologous gene operably linked thereto, wherein said promoter sequence drives the expression of the at least one heterologous gene in tumor cells. Pharmaceutical compositions and a method for treating tumors are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that decrease or inhibit osteonectin activity in tumor cells, including cancer cells. The cells cease to be tumor-like, or become less tumor-like. Pharmaceutical composition and therapies based thereon are also described.

Abstract: This invention concerns monoclonal antibodies directed against breast carcinoma cells. Immunoglobulin secreting hybridoma cultures are produced by hybridoma technology using undifferentiated breast cancer cells as antigens for immunization. Hybridomas secreting antibodies highly reactive with tumor proliferating cells are selected. These monoclonal antibodies have particular application in aiding the diagnosis or treatment of cancer.