Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for determining the expression profile of a tumor and subsequently determining an appropriate cancer therapy. Accordingly, a database can correlate expression profile data of a particular tumor before a chemotherapeutic is administered, and after the chemotherapeutic is administered and after tumor progression, such as when a tumor has developed a resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent. The database can then be used to determine an appropriate treatment for a patient with a particular kind of tumor that expresses a particular subset of genes. The methods and compositions related to the invention can further be used to predict at least one secondary therapeutic agent, which is targeted against a gene overexpressed in tumor tissue following treatment with a primary therapy and during tumor progression.

Abstract: A method for reducing the recurrence of a resectable malignant tumor includes administering an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition, then surgically resecting the malignant tumor. A method for treating a human patient having a non-resectable malignant tumor includes administering an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition to the patient and treating the patient with effective non-surgical medical methodologies to diminish the tumor. An article of manufacture combines an ?-interferon composition within a packaging material and a package label or insert indicating that administration of an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition followed by surgical resection of a malignant tumor can be effective for treating a human patient having the malignant tumor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for determining the expression profile of a tumor and subsequently determining an appropriate cancer therapy. Accordingly, a database can correlate expression profile data of a particular tumor before a chemotherapeutic is administered, and after the chemotherapeutic is administered and after tumor progression, such as when a tumor has developed a resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent. The database can then be used to determine an appropriate treatment for a patient with a particular kind of tumor that expresses a particular subset of genes. The methods and compositions related to the invention can further be used to predict at least one secondary therapeutic agent, which is targeted against a gene overexpressed in tumor tissue following treatment with a primary therapy and during tumor progression.