Abstract: Disclosed are methods to obtain an expression score to evaluate gene expression in a tissue specimen obtained from a person having or suspected of having cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are biomarkers, methods and assay kits for the identification of cancer patients who are predicted to benefit, or not to benefit, from the therapeutic administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. The biomarkers of the present invention include detection of EGFR and HER 2 gene amplification and polysomy, EGFR protein expression, EGFR mutations, phosphorylated Akt protein expression, and various combinations of such biomarkers, as well as the combination of these biomarkers with mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR gene. Increased EGFR gene copy number, increased HER2 gene copy number, increased EGFR protein expression, activated AKT protein expression (phosphorylated AKT) and EGFR mutations are all associated with better outcome for cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying a cancer patient responsive to treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. One method comprises obtaining a biopsy from the patient and measuring the number of copies of miR-128b in DNA extracted from the biopsy. A patient responsive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment has a cancer with less than two copies of miR-128b DNA. Another method comprises measuring miR-128b or miR-128a level in a biopsy obtained from the patient and comparing that level to miR-128b or miR-128a level in a normal tissue sample. A patient responsive to treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor has a cancer expressing a lower level of miR-128b or miR-128a relative to normal tissue. Further provided herein are methods for treating cancer in a patient in need thereof. One method comprises measuring the level of miR-128b or miR-128a in a biopsy obtained from the patient and administering to the patient an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is the identification, provision and use of a panel of biomarkers that predict sensitivity or resistance to gefitinib and other EGFR inhibitors, and products and processes related thereto. Specifically, a method is described for selecting a cancer patient who is predicted to benefit from therapeutic administration of an EGFR inhibitor, an agonist thereof, or a drug having substantially similar biological activity as EGFR inhibitor. Also described is a method to identify molecules that interact with the EGFR pathway to allow or enhance responsiveness to EGFR inhibitors, as well as a plurality of polynucleotides or antibodies for the detection of the expression of genes that are indicative of sensitivity or resistance to EGFR inhibitors, an agonist thereof, or a drug having substantially similar biological activity as EGFR inhibitors. A method to identify a compound with the potential to enhance the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides bradykinin antagonists and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof having anti-cancer activity. These anti-cancer compounds are particularly useful for inhibiting the growth of lung and prostate cancers.

Abstract: The invention provides bradykinin antagonists and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof having anti-cancer activity. These anti-cancer compounds are particularly useful for inhibiting the growth of lung and prostate cancers.

Abstract: The invention provides bradykinin antagonists and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof having anti-cancer activity. These anti-cancer compounds are particularly useful for inhibiting the growth of lung and prostate cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed is the identification, provision and use of a panel of biomarkers that predict sensitivity or resistance to gefitinib and other EGFR inhibitors, and products and processes related thereto. Specifically, a method is described for selecting a cancer patient who is predicted to benefit from therapeutic administration of an EGFR inhibitor, an agonist thereof, or a drug having substantially similar biological activity as EGFR inhibitor. Also described is a method to identify molecules that interact with the EGFR pathway to allow or enhance responsiveness to EGFR inhibitors, as well as a plurality of polynucleotides or antibodies for the detection of the expression of genes that are indicative of sensitivity or resistance to EGFR inhibitors, an agonist thereof, or a drug having substantially similar biological activity as EGFR inhibitors. A method to identify a compound with the potential to enhance the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors is also described.

Abstract: Superparamagnetic particles are provided for medical applications including hyperthermia techniques, localized heating and tissue-specific release of therapeutic agents, and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement, comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide and a polymer such as dextran at a ratio of about 0.5 to 0.1 w/w of polymer to iron. The particles display at least one of the following magnetic properties: (a) specific power absorption rate greater than 300 w/g Fe; (b) initial magnetic susceptibility greater than 0.7 EMU/g Fe/Gauss; and (c) magnetic moment greater than 10.sup.-15 erg/Gauss.