Abstract: Provided is a method useful in determining the risk of progression of Barrett's esophagus in a subject, comprising providing a cell sample from the esophagus of the subject; detecting one or more biomarkers in the sample using a biochemical assay; determining a parameter associated with the one or more biomarkers; comparing the parameter to at least one predetermined cut-off value indicative of risk of Barrett's esophagus progression; and providing an output based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for detecting and treating esophageal cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method for identifying a subject having esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) comprises (a) extracting genomic DNA from a sample obtained from the subject; (b) performing a conversion reaction on the genomic DNA in vitro to convert unmethylated cytosine to uracil by deamination; and (c) detecting nucleic acid methylation of one or more genes in the converted genomic DNA, wherein detecting nucleic acid methylation identifies the subject as having EAC. The one or more genes can comprise ABCB1, BMP3, COL23A1, FBN1, FADS1 and PRDM2. In a more specific embodiment, the one or more genes comprise at least three of ABCB1, BMP3, COL23A1, FBN1, FADS1 and PRDM2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods useful for detecting and treating esophageal cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method for identifying a subject having esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) comprises (a) extracting genomic DNA from a sample obtained from the subject; (b) performing a conversion reaction on the genomic DNA in vitro to convert unmethylated cytosine to uracil by deamination; and (c) detecting nucleic acid methylation of one or more genes in the converted genomic DNA, wherein detecting nucleic acid methylation e identifies the subject as having ESCC. The one or more genes can comprise ZNF542, ZNF132, cg20655070, TAC1 and SLC35F1. In a more specific embodiment, the one or more genes comprise ZNF542 and ZNF132 and can further comprise detecting the nucleic acid N methylation of one or more of cg20655070, TAC1 and SLC35F1.

Abstract: Described are devices for treating disease in subjects wherein the devices include a sponge comprising a hydrogel, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and an agent. Methods of using the devices to treat or prevent disease such as esophageal adenocarcinoma are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gastric cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating gastric cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method for diagnosing gastric cancer or a likelihood thereof in a patient comprises the steps of (a) providing a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) predicting gastric cancer in the patient if the biomarkers are hypermethylated. In a more specific embodiment, the one or more biomarkers comprises tight junction protein claudin-1 1 (CLD-N11), the transcription factor BarH-like homeobox (BARX1), basonuclin1 (BNC1), Coagulation factor C homolog (COCH), filamin C gamma (FLNC), cytoglobin B (CYGB), glutamine-fructose-6-phospahe-transaminase-2 (GFPT2), heat-shock-70 kDa protein-6 (HSPA6), snail homolog 1 (SNAL1), skin calmodulin-related factor (SCARF), and tumor protein p53 binding protein 2 (TP53BP2).

Abstract: Described are devices for treating disease in subjects wherein the devices include a sponge comprising a hydrogel, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and an agent. Methods of using the devices to treat or prevent disease such as esophageal adenocarcinoma are also described.

Abstract: Robust and reliable molecular diagnostic screening tools for early detection of esophageal and gastrointestinal tract cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, such as Barrett's Esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma are provided. Included in the invention is an array of miRNA probes specific for identifying, diagnosing and prognosticating esophageal and gastrointestinal tract cancers and pre-cancerous lesions in subjects from blood or serum samples. A biochip comprising the array as well as methods for its use are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to methods for predicting a subject's risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) or high-grade dysplasia (HGD), comprising determining in a sample from the subject the methylation levels of transcriptional promoter regions of various combinations of, among other genes, (a) cadherin 13, H-cadherin (heart) (CDH13); (b) tachykinin-1 (TAC1); (c) nel-like 1 (NELL1); (d) A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12); (e) somatostatin (SST); (f) transmembrane protein with EGF-like and two follistatin-like domains (HPP1); (g) CDKN2a, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2a (p16); or (h) runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of microRNAs to diagnose and monitor various diseases such as cancer. In particular embodiments, microRNA expression levels can serve as diagnostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease-associated neoplasia (IBDN). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the present invention can be used to differentiate or distinguish IBDN from sporadic colorectal cancer (S-CRC), IBD-Dysplasia, IBD and/or normal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer using aqueous 32P. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for treating cancer in a patient comprising the step of intravenously administering a low dose of aqueous 32P monophosphate or 32P pyrophosphate to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gastric cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating gastric cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method for diagnosing gastric cancer or a likelihood thereof in a patient comprises the steps of (a) providing a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) predicting gastric cancer in the patient if the biomarkers are hypermethylated. In a more specific embodiment, the one or more biomarkers comprises tight junction protein claudin-1 1 (CLD-N11), the transcription factor BarH-like homeobox (BARX1), basonuclin1 (BNC1), Coagulation factor C homolog (COCH), filamin C gamma (FLNC), cytoglobin B (CYGB), glutamine-fructose-6-phospahe-transaminase-2 (GFPT2), heat-shock-70 kDa protein-6 (HSPA6), snail homolog 1(SNAL1), skin calmodulin-related factor (SCARF), and tumor protein p53 binding protein 2 (TP53BP2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of microRNAs to diagnose and monitor various diseases such as cancer. In particular embodiments, microRNA expression levels can serve as diagnostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease-associated neoplasia (IBDN). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the present invention can be used to differentiate or distinguish IBDN from sporadic colorectal cancer (S-CRC), IBD-Dysplasia, IBD and/or normal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for diagnosing cancer in a subject. Morphologically normal epithelial cells of the esophagus are assayed for marker expression. Characteristic expression of the markers indicates the presence of cancer or the predisposition to cancer. A panel of eleven markers are particularly good at identifying cancer and the predisposition to cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for diagnosing cancer in a subject. Morphologically normal epithelial cells of the esophagus are assayed for marker expression. Characteristic expression of the markers indicates the presence of cancer or the predisposition to cancer. A panel of eleven markers are particularly good at identifying cancer and the predisposition to cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of biomarkers to diagnose and monitor various diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: Robust and reliable molecular diagnostic screening tools for early detection of esophageal and gastrointestinal tract cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, such as Barrett's Esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma are provided. Included in the invention is an array of miRNA probes specific for identifying, diagnosing and prognosticating esophageal and gastrointestinal tract cancers and pre-cancerous lesions in subjects from blood or serum samples. A biochip comprising the array as well as methods for its use are also provided.

Abstract: Cancers are extremely heterogeneous in terms of the frequency and types of mutations present in different malignant tumors. Thus, it is likely that uniform clinical treatment is not optimal for all patients, and that the development of individualized therapeutic regimens may be beneficial. Multiple, unique small peptides bind to cell lines derived from different colon adenocarcinomas. Within two hours of contact, the colorectal cancer cells are able to transfer a 32P radioisotope from the small peptides to cellular proteins; the transfer occurs at a substantially higher rate than in the colorectal cancer cells than in cell lines derived from other cancers or from normal tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to methods for predicting a subject's risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) or high-grade dysplasia (HGD), comprising determining in a sample from the subject the methylation levels of transcriptional promoter regions of various combinations of, among other genes, (a) cadherin 13, H-cadherin (heart) (CDH13); (b) tachykinin-1 (TAC1); (c) nel-like 1 (NELL1); (d) A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12); (e) somatostatin (SST); (f) transmembrane protein with EGF-like and two follistatin-like domains (HPP1); (g) CDKN2a, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2a (p16); or (h) runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for diagnosing cancer in a subject. Morphologically normal epithelial cells of the esophagus are assayed for marker expression. Characteristic expression of the markers indicates the presence of cancer or the predisposition to cancer. A panel of eleven markers are particularly good at identifying cancer and the predisposition to cancer.

Abstract: Cancers are extremely heterogeneous in terms of the frequency and types of mutations present in different malignant tumors. Thus, it is likely that uniform clinical treatment is not optimal for all patients, and that the development of individualized therapeutic regimens may be beneficial. Multiple, unique small peptides bind to cell lines derived from different colon adenocarcinomas. Within two hours of contact, the colorectal cancer cells are able to transfer a 32P radioisotope from the small peptides to cellular proteins; the transfer occurs at a substantially higher rate than in the colorectal cancer cells than in cell lines derived from other cancers or from normal tissues.