Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to cancer treatment and prevention and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions and methods related to therapies for prostate cancer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for identifying, classifying, and monitoring cancer patients for Bcl-2 family inhibitor therapies. The methods and compositions of the invention are directed to determining amplification of Bcl-xL and in cancer or tumor cells, or elevated Bcl-xL polypeptide expression.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for identifying, classifying, and monitoring cancer patients for Bcl-2 family inhibitor therapies. The methods and compositions of the invention are directed to determining amplification of Bcl-xL and in cancer or tumor cells, or elevated Bcl-xL polypeptide expression.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for classifying a patient with cancer as a candidate for therapy with a Bcl-2 family inhibitor comprising determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level. Also described are methods for identifying classes of patients having a refractory cancer for second-line therapy comprising a Bcl-2 family inhibitor, where the method comprises determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for classifying a patient with cancer as a candidate for therapy with a Bcl-2 family inhibitor comprising determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level. Also described are methods for identifying classes of patients having a refractory cancer for second-line therapy comprising a Bcl-2 family inhibitor, where the method comprises determining the level of at least one biomarker in a sample and comparing the biomarker level to a threshold level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for identifying, classifying, and monitoring cancer patients for Bcl-2 family inhibitor therapies. The methods and compositions of the invention are directed to determining amplification of Bcl-xL and in cancer or tumor cells, or elevated Bcl-xL polypeptide expression.

Abstract: Methods for identifying cancer patients eligible to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and for monitoring patient response to endothelin receptor antagonist therapy comprise assessment of the expression levels of at least one of PAI-1, uPA, TGFbeta2, IL-6, IL-8 and OPG in a patient tissue sample. The methods of the invention allow more effective identification of patients to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and of determination of patient response to the therapy.

Abstract: Methods for identifying cancer patients eligible to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and for monitoring patient response to endothelin receptor antagonist therapy comprise assessment of the expression levels of at least one of PAI-1, uPA, TGFbeta2, IL-6, IL-8 and OPG in a patient tissue sample. The methods of the invention allow more effective identification of patients to receive endothelin receptor antagonist therapy and of determination of patient response to the therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with at least one polypeptide containing at least one epitope of an HCV antigen. Preferred assay formats include a confirmatory assay, a combination assay, a synthetic polypeptide-based assay, an immunodot assay and a competition assay.

Abstract: Unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel mammalian expression system that is capable of generating high levels of expressed hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins which have previously proved difficult to express due to their non-secretory properties. In particular, the invention provides a plasmid for the expression of the HCV second envelope protein (E2) designated p577. This plasmid encodes a recombinant protein comprising the immunoglobulin signal peptide and amino acids 388-664 of the HCV E2 glycoprotein. This unique expression system produces high levels of HCV proteins that are properly processed, glycosylated, and folded.