Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for screening for the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant 3 (EGFR(v3)) in a sample are disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sample containing a plurality of cells; hybridizing a set of chromosomal probes to the sample, wherein the set comprises an EGFR(v3)-probe and a probe to chromosome 7 different from an EGFR(v3)-probe; and visualizing the hybridization pattern of the set of chromosomal probes in the plurality of cells of the sample, wherein the presence of at least one copy of chromosome 7 lacking a hybridization signal of the EGFR(v3)-probe in at least one cell is indicative of the presence of the EGFR(v3) in the sample. The methods, compositions and kits are suitable for diagnosing the therapeutic outcome for treating a patient having a cancer with an anti-EGFR therapeutic agent and for screening a sample for a predisposition for forming an EGFR-associated cancer.

Abstract: Methods of screening a sample for a predisposition for forming an EGFR-associated cancer and the presence of EGFR (v3) contained therein are described. The methods include the steps of obtaining a sample containing a plurality of cells and hybridizing a first set of labeled chromosomal probes and a second set of labeled chromosomal probes to the sample. The first set of labeled chromosomal probes specific to chromosome 7, and the second set of labeled chromosomal probes is a labeled EGFR(v3)-probe. The first and second sets of labeled chromosomal probes include different labels to permit identification of the first and second sets of labeled chromosomal probes hybridized to the sample. The method includes calculating the number of signals of the first and second sets labeled chromosomal probes on an individual cell basis and determining a predisposition for forming an EGFR-associated cancer and the presence of EGFR (v3) contained therein based upon those calculations.

Abstract: Method and compositions for screening for the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant 3 (EGFR(v3)) in a sample are described. The method comprises obtaining a sample containing a plurality of cells; hybridizing a set of chromosomal probes to the sample, wherein the set comprises an EGFR(v3)-probe and a probe to chromosome 7 different from an EGFR(v3)-probe; and visualizing the hybridization pattern of the set of chromosomal probes in the plurality of cells of the sample, wherein the presence of at least one copy of chromosome 7 lacking a hybridization signal of the EGFR(v3)-probe in at least one cell is indicative of the presence of the EGFR(v3) in the sample. The method and compositions are suitable for diagnosing the therapeutic outcome for treating a patient having a cancer with an anti-EGFR therapeutic agent and for screening a sample for a predisposition for forming an EGFR-associated cancer.

Abstract: Method and compositions for screening for the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor variant 3 (EGFR(v3)) in a sample are described. The method comprises obtaining a sample containing a plurality of cells; hybridizing a set of chromosomal probes to the sample, wherein the set comprises an EGFR(v3)-probe and a probe to chromosome 7 different from an EGFR(v3)-probe; and visualizing the hybridization pattern of the set of chromosomal probes in the plurality of cells of the sample, wherein the presence of at least one copy of chromosome 7 lacking a hybridization signal of the EGFR(v3)-probe in at least one cell is indicative of the presence of the EGFR(v3) in the sample. The method and compositions are suitable for diagnosing the therapeutic outcome for treating a patient having a cancer with an anti-EGFR therapeutic agent and for screening a sample for a predisposition for forming an EGFR-associated cancer.