Quest Diagnostics Investments, Inc.

Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Michael K Samoszuk

Richard W Tseng

David M Goldenberg

Rosalyn D Blumenthal

Froilan Espinoza

Leonard Leonor

Dan Zhu

Paula C Southwick

Amabelle B Cruz

John S Riley

The present invention provides a simple high-throughput assay for detecting bcr/abl translocations. The method includes qualitative PCR methods for identifying the particular amplified translocation (e1a2 or b2a3/b3a2) and real time PCR for quantifying an amount of bcr/abl transcript (e1a2, b2a3 and b3a2). Quantitative measurement of bcr/abl transcript in accordance with the methods of the invention is useful for monitoring response to therapy.

Assay for BCR/ABL gene rearrangement

Assay for bcr/abl gene rearrangement

The present invention provides methods of determining the microvascular density of tumors. The methods generally comprise creating a digital image of a defined cross section of the tumor, determining the cross-sectional surface area of vascular tissue in the section of the tumor, determining the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, calculating the ratio of the cross sectional surface area of the tumor to the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, and thereby determining the microvascular density of the tumor. The digital image of the tumor may preferably be created using image processing software and the image may be displayed on a computer screen. The image may be digitally dissected by removing from the image all non-vascular tissue. This approach produces reproducible results that match the results generated by functional MRI assessments of blood perfusion of the tumors.

Methods for measuring microvascular density in tumors

The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and analyzing clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement using temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE), which employs a gradual and uniform increase in the temperature of a constant denaturing gel to resolve different DNA molecules based on base pair composition. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for providing appropriate DNA migration markers for TTGE analysis.

Detection of clonal T-cell receptor-&ggr; gene rearrangement by PCR/temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE)

Kits for detecting and treating endometriosis are provided, which contain a targeting molecule comprising an eosinophil peroxidase-binding component. Methods of detecting and treating endometriosis using eosinophil peroxidase-specific targeting molecules are also provided Targeting molecules comprise an eosinophil peroxidase-binding component and an accessory component; the accessory component comprising an agent conferring detectability or a therapeutic effect.

Method of detecting endometriosis

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, United States of America

Michael K Samoszuk