University of Michigan

Samir M Hanash

David Misek

Robert Hinderer

David G Beer

Franck Brichory

Phillip Kish

Juan Madoz-Gurpide

Latha Prasannan

Xiao-Xiang Zhu

David Rickman

Rachana Tyagi

Hong Wang

Myeong Nam

Francois LeNaour

Laura Beretta

Frank Brichory

Latha Prasanan

The present invention relates to screening methods for diagnosis, prognosis, or susceptibility to cancer in a subject by means of detecting the presence of serum autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens in sera from subjects. The present invention also provides screening methods for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer in a subject by means of detecting increased expression levels of annexin proteins in biological samples of the subject. The method of the invention can also be used to identify subjects at risk for developing cancer. The method of the invention involves the use of subject derived biological samples to determine the occurrence and level of expression of annexin proteins or expression of annexin derived peptides or antigens, and/or the occurrence and level of circulating autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens. The present invention further provides for kits for carrying out the above described screening methods. Such kits can be used to screen subjects for increased levels of annexin proteins, or for the detection of autoantibodies to annexin proteins, as a diagnostic, predictive or prognostic indicator of cancer.

Annexin proteins and autoantibodies as serum markers for cancer

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer therapies and diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides tumor antigens associated with specific cancers and diagnostic assays for the detection of such antigens and associated autoantibodies as indicative of the presence of specific cancers. The present invention further provides cancer immunotherapy utilizing the tumor antigens of the present invention.

Detection and treatment of cancers of the liver

Detection and treatment of cancers of the colon

Detection and treatment of cancers of the lung

The present invention relates to novel cancer markers and compositions and methods for cancer therapies. For example, the present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of gene expression of particular marker genes as indicative of cancers, while control of said gene expression provides for intervention in cancer therapies and, in particular, glioma therapies.

Treatments and markers for cancers of the central nervous system

The present invention relates to a method for identification of cellular protein antigens to which patients with cancer, or patients at risk for cancer, may develop autoantibodies. The method of the invention involves the use of patient derived sera for the identification of the cellular protein antigens using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western Blot analysis. The identification of such protein antigens provides novel markers that can be utilized for screening, for diagnostics and prognosis of disease. The invention also provides for the use of the identified protein antigens in immunoassays designed to detect the presence of serum antibodies to the specific protein antigens in sera from individuals that may harbor such antibodies. The invention further relates to the use of the identified antigens as immunogens for stimulation of an immune response in patients expressing such protein antigens. The invention is demonstrated by way of example in which elevated levels of circulating autoantibodies reactive against a tumor specific antigen were identified in sera derived from a lung cancer patient. In addition, elevated levels of circulating autoantibodies reactive against several specific &bgr;-tubulin isoforms were detected in the sera of neuroblastoma patients.

Method for identification of cellular protein antigens and presence of antibodies to specific cellular protein antigens in serum

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Samir M Hanash