Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising genetically modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and/or genetically modified mesenchymal cells, wherein the cells contain a vector comprising a transgene, as well as methods of producing the genetically modified HSPCs and genetically modified mesenchymal cells, and methods of treating or preventing cancer (e.g., metastasis) and neurodegenerative conditions, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting tumor formation in a cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation and to a method of preventing metastases. These methods involve administering to the cancer patient an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells under conditions effective either to inhibit tumor formation in the cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation or to prevent metastases. Candidate compounds useful for such purposes can be screened depending on whether they bind to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells. Metastases in a cancer patient can be monitored by evaluating a patient sample for detection and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells and comparing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells to prior levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting tumor formation in a cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation and to a method of preventing metastases. These methods involve administering to the cancer patient an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells under conditions effective either to inhibit tumor formation in the cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation or to prevent metastases. Candidate compounds useful for such purposes can be screened depending on whether they bind to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells. Metastases in a cancer patient can be monitored by evaluating a patient sample for detection and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells and comparing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells to prior levels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting tumor formation in a cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation and to a method of preventing metastases. These methods involve administering to the cancer patient an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells under conditions effective either to inhibit tumor formation in the cancer patient at a site remote from sites of prior tumor formation or to prevent metastases. Candidate compounds useful for such purposes can be screened depending on whether they bind to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells. Metastases in a cancer patient can be monitored by evaluating a patient sample for detection and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells and comparing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1+ bone marrow-derived cells to prior levels.