Abstract: Detection of human antibodies directed against the tumor-specific protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant Class III (EGFRvIII) provide information on tumor burden and vaccine response. The methods of the invention permit the specific identification of antibodies that are able to bind to EGFRvIII. The methods are useful in determining the presence of an EGFRvIII-expressing tumor and in detecting immune responses following immunization with EGFRvIII-derived peptide as part of a cancer immunotherapy regimen.

Abstract: Detection of human antibodies directed against the tumor-specific protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant Class III (EGFRvIII) provide information on tumor burden and vaccine response. The methods of the invention permit the specific identification of antibodies that are able to bind to EGFRvIII. The methods are useful in determining the presence of an EGFRvIII-expressing tumor and in detecting immune responses following immunization with EGFRvIII-derived peptide as part of a cancer immunotherapy regimen.

Abstract: A separation procedure for separating a selected desired or undesired population from a biological sample utilizing relatively heavy, dense particles and gravity sedimentation. The particles have one or more reactants bound thereto which are specific to and will bind with the selected population. The particles preferably are mixed with the sample by repeatedly causing the particles to settle through a substantial portion of the sample to bind to the selected population. The particles with the bound selected population then are allowed to preferentially settle in the sample and the supernatant including an enriched population is separated from the particles with the selected population bound thereto. The enriched populations in the biological sample supernatant can be further enriched by multiple removal steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a selected cell population from blood or a blood component includes a container, a plurality of particles having a reactant that binds to a selected cell population and a separating device for separating the selected cell population from the blood or blood component. The particles have a density that allows gravity settling of the particles through the blood or blood component. The separating device can include a device for compressing the container, a magnet or a filter, for example. The apparatus can also include a mixing device for mixing the particles with the blood or blood component. The reactant bound to the particles can include an antibody or antibody fragment, such as lectin or a lectin fragment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching a sample in tumor cells and determining the DNA ploidy and proliferative index of the tumor cells present in the sample. The method uses a pan-leukocyte monoclonal antibody conjugated to a separable substrate such as magnetic microspheres to conjugate and remove leukocytes from the sample. A fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody specific to a tumor associated antigen or an antigen arising from the presence of the tumor and a DNA staining reagent are added to the leukocyte depleted sample. The sample is then analyzed by dual color flow cytometry to determine cells having an abnormal DNA content by gating on fluorescently labelled cells.

Abstract: A separation procedure for separating a selected desired or undesired population from a biological sample utilizing relatively heavy, dense particles and gravity sedimentation. The particles have one or more reactants bound thereto which are specific to and will bind with the selected population. The particles preferably are mixed with the sample by repeatedly causing the particles to settle through a substantial portion of the sample to bind to the selected population. The particles with the bound selected population then are allowed to preferentially settle in the sample and the supernatant including the non-selected population is separated from the particles with the selected population bound thereto. The particles can be heated for sterilization and endotoxin removal.