Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, as well as methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary, breast, prostate and colon. The method comprises contacting a cancer cell with an IGF-related molecule of the invention or administering an IGF-related vaccine to the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the molecule is an immunogenic peptide derived from IGFBP-2 or from IGF1 R. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating cancer using IGF-related molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2?, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, as well as methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary, breast, prostate and colon. The method comprises contacting a cancer cell with an IGF-related molecule of the invention or administering an IGF-related vaccine to the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the molecule is an immunogenic peptide derived from IGFBP-2 or from IGF1 R. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating cancer using IGF-related molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2?, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid.