Laminin chains: diagnostic uses

Abstract

The instant invention provides for the identification, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of invasive cells using the laminin 5 gamma-2 chain protein or nucleic acid sequence, or antibodies thereto.

1 - 6 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         7 . A method of evaluating the extent of carcinoma cell activity in a patient comprising administering to a patient an antibody that specifically binds to domain III of the γ2 chain of laminin 5 to form an immunocomplex and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation, wherein the presence of immunocomplex formation correlates with a presence of carcinoma-derived invasive cells in the patient, and wherein the absence of immunocomplex formation correlates with an absence of carcinoma-derived invasive cells in the patient.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is used to assess colon carcinoma cell activity.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is used to assess mammary carcinoma activity.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is used to assess melanoma activity.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is used to assess squamous cell carcinoma activity.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is applied to provide a prognosis for a carcinoma patient.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is applied to monitor the development or progression of invasive carcinoma cells in a cancer patient.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the method is applied to assess the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment for the carcinoma.  
     
     
         15 . A method for decreasing migration of carcinoma cells in a cancer patient comprising administering an antibody against γ2 chain domain III of laminin 5 to the patient, wherein the contacting results in decreased migration of carcinoma cells.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the carcinoma cells comprise squamous cell carcinoma cells.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the carcinoma cells comprise mammary carcinoma cells.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the carcinoma cells comprise melanoma cells.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the carcinoma cells comprise colon carcinoma cells.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.