Methods of Diagnosing Potential for Developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Metastasis and of Identifying Therapeutic Agents
Description of Invention:
Expression of nearly 10,000 genes was analyzed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors, and a molecular signature was identified that targets genes that are most likely relevant to the prediction outcome of metastases, including patient survival. A specific therapeutic target protein was also identified, and antibodies against this protein prevent invasion of metastatic HCC cells in vitro. These data identify this target protein both as a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target for metastatic HCC. In addition, by analyzing premalignant cirrhotic liver tissues from high risk liver disease patients, a molecular signature were identified that may be useful in diagnosing early onset of HCC. Some of the biomarkers have been validated with serum samples to have potentially predictive values.
This invention may be useful in diagnosing early onset of HCC and HCC metastatic tumors, evaluating risk for development of HCC and HCC metastatic tumors, and identifying HCC therapeutic targets. This invention also identifies a specific therapeutic target protein, and identifies methods of identifying antagonists to this protein, which might be useful in developing a variety of HCC therapeutics.
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vitro-DNA Based Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: David A. Lambertson Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4632
Email: lambertsond@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
