Methods and kits used in identifying glioblastoma

Abstract

The invention encompasses methods and kits used in the identification of invasive glioblastoma based upon the expression of TROY. The methods and kits also allow prediction of disease outcome as well as therapeutic outcome.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of identifying a tumor as invasive glioblastoma; comprising:
 adding a first reagent capable of binding to a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2 to a mixture comprising a sample of the tumor;   subjecting the mixture to conditions that allow detection of the binding of the reagent to the marker; and   classifying the tumor into a cohort selected from the group consisting of invasive glioblastoma and proliferative glioblastoma on the basis of a result of the binding of the reagent to the sample.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the marker includes SEQ ID NO. 2. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the first reagent comprises a first antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the first antibody comprises a first label. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the first label comprises a label selected from a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, a radioisotope, and a ligand. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising adding a second antibody to the mixture, wherein the second antibody is capable of binding to the first antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the second antibody comprises a second label. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the marker includes SEQ ID NO. 1. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the first reagent comprises a first nucleic acid. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the first nucleic acid comprises a first oligonucleotide capable of binding to part of the marker. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising purifying RNA from the sample, performing reverse transcription on the RNA, and adding a second oligonucleotide capable of binding to part of the marker to the mixture, wherein the conditions comprise nucleic acid amplification, wherein the first oligonucleotide and the second oligonucleotide are capable of binding to different sequences on the marker and wherein the first oligonucleotide and the second oligonucleotide are capable of binding to separate nucleic acid strands. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first oligonucleotide includes SEQ ID NO. 3. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the second oligonucleotide includes SEQ ID NO. 4. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising adding a third oligonucleotide to the mixture wherein the third oligonucleotide is capable of binding to a part of the marker between the sequences to which the first oligonucleotide and the second oligonucleotide are capable of binding. 
     
     
         15 . A method of predicting disease outcome of a patient with glioblastoma; comprising:
 adding a first reagent capable of binding to a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2 to a mixture comprising a sample from the patient;   subjecting the mixture to conditions that allow detection of the binding of the reagent to the marker; and   classifying the patient into a cohort on the basis of a result of the binding of the reagent to the sample; wherein the cohort is selected from the group consisting of short term survivors and long term survivors.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein short term survivors are predicted to survive less than 680 days or less than 400 days. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein long term survivors are predicted to survive more than 680 days or more than 950 days. 
     
     
         18 . A method of treating a patient with glioblastoma; comprising
 adding a first reagent capable of binding to a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2 to a mixture comprising a sample from the patient;   subjecting the mixture to conditions that allow detection of the binding of the reagent to the marker; and   treating the patient on the basis of a result of the binding of the reagent to the sample.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the result comprises expression of the marker below a threshold and wherein treating the patient comprises administering a therapeutic composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of temozolimide and bevacizumab. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the result comprises expression of the marker above a threshold and wherein treating the patient comprises administering a therapeutic composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of TROY inhibitor, Pyk2 inhibitor, Rac1 inhibitor, Dock180 inhibitor, and Dock7 inhibitor.