Abstract: A method for diagnosing an increased risk of a cancer in a subject includes the steps of obtaining a blood sample from the subject and determining, in the blood sample, a level of two or more of the polypeptides selected from the group consisting of VNN2, KCNJ15, SERPINB2, CREB5, ICAM3, NFE2, MNDA, PXN, FCAR, TSHZ3, NRG1, ALOX5AP, PAD14, PAD12, QPC, VNN1, SERPINB10, CLEC4D, TREM1, CLEC4E, CD82, MGAM, TMEM45B and VNN3, wherein an increase in the level of two or more of the polypeptides compared to a control level is indicative of an increased risk of cancer in the subject.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of glioblastomas and/or recurrent glioblastomas in a subject in need thereof includes isolating CD14+ cells from a blood sample of the subject and determining the ratio of isolated CD14+ cells expressing low levels of HLA-DR to isolated CD14+ cells expressing VNN2, wherein the subject has increased risk of glioblastomas or recurrent glioblastoma if the ratio of isolated CD14+ cells expressing low levels of HLA-DR to isolated CD14+ cells expressing VNN2 is greater than about 2.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of glioblastomas and/or recurrent glioblastomas in a subject in need thereof includes isolating CD14+ cells from a blood sample of the subject and determining the ratio of isolated CD14+ cells expressing low levels of HLA-DR to isolated CD14+ cells expressing VNN2, wherein the subject has increased risk of glioblastomas or recurrent glioblastoma if the ratio of isolated CD14+ cells expressing low levels of HLA-DR to isolated CD14+ cells expressing VNN2 is greater than about 2.

Abstract: An affinity ligand is reactive to the GARP protein may be capable of binding to an extracellular domain of GARP protein expressed on regulatory T (Treg) cells. The affinity ligand may be an antibody and may be used to identify Treg cells. A method comprises providing a blood sample from a subject and determining the amount of Treg cells in that sample. A composition containing Treg cells may be administered to an individual to suppress effector T cell activity in the individual. A composition containing an affinity ligand capable of binding to a GARP domain may be administered to an individual to suppress Treg cell activity and increase effector T cell activity in the individual. A kit for detecting Treg cells may include an affinity ligand reactive with mammalian GARP protein.

Abstract: As one example, a photodynamic therapy system can include a flexible panel comprising a plurality of light sources distributed across a conformable light delivery surface thereof. The plurality of light sources can be configured to provide a treatment light to achieve a desired therapeutic effect at a predetermined distance from the light delivery surface. The system can also include a spacer configured at the light delivery surface to position the light delivery surface at the predetermined distance from a treatment area of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a phthalocyanine, wherein a diamagnetic metal ion moiety is either coordinated or covalently bound to the phthalocyanine core. The invention also relates to methods for destroying cancer tissue, precancerous cells, photo-aged cells, damaged cells, or otherwise pathologic cells, or activated cells, such as lymphocytes or other cells of the immune system, or activated or inflamed tissue cells comprising topically administering to the cancer tissue or surrounding tissue an effective amount of a phthalocyanine composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a phthalocyanine, wherein a diamagnetic metal ion moiety is either coordinated or covalently bound to the phthalocyanine core. The invention also relates to methods for destroying cancer tissue, precancerous cells, photo-aged cells, damaged cells, or otherwise pathologic cells, or activated cells, such as lymphocytes or other cells of the immune system, or activated or inflamed tissue cells comprising topically administering to the cancer tissue or surrounding tissue an effective amount of a phthalocyanine composition.

Abstract: An affinity ligand is reactive to the GARP protein may be capable of binding to an extracellular domain of GARP protein expressed on regulatory T (Treg) cells. The affinity ligand may be an antibody and may be used to identify Treg cells. A method comprises providing a blood sample from a subject and determining the amount of Treg cells in that sample. A composition containing Treg cells may be administered to an individual to suppress effector T cell activity in the individual. A composition containing an affinity ligand capable of binding to a GARP domain may be administered to an individual to suppress Treg cell activity and increase effector T cell activity in the individual. A kit for detecting Treg cells may include an affinity ligand reactive with mammalian GARP protein.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing an epidermal or dermal disorder, e.g., psoriasis, using a CD2-binding agent, e.g., an inhibitor of the CD2/LFA-3 interaction (e.g., an LFA-3/IgG fusion polypeptide), in combination with an auxiliary agent, e.g., UVB irradiation, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating or preventing an epidermal or dermal disorder, e.g., psoriasis, using a CD2-binding agent, e.g., an inhibitor of the CD2/LFA-3 interaction (e.g., an LFA-3/IgG fusion polypeptide), in combination with an auxiliary agent, e.g., UVB irradiation, are disclosed.