ANTIBODIES AND METHODS OF USING SAME FOR TREATING ErbB/ErbB LIGANDS ASSOCIATED DISEASES

Abstract

A method of selecting a target for treatment of a hyperproliferative disease in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising analyzing an amount and/or activity of at least one ErbB ligand in a biological sample from the subject, wherein an ErbB ligand which shows an up-regulated amount and/or activity compared to a non-hyperproliferative cell or tissue above a predetermined level is selected as a target for treatment of the hyperproliferative disease. Methods of treating hyperproliferative diseases, monoclonal antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of selecting treatment for pancreatic cancer or lung cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising analyzing an amount and/or activity of at least two non-identical ErbB ligands selected from the group consisting of transforming growth factor-α (TGFα), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and amphiregulin (AR) in a biological sample from the subject, wherein when said at least two non-identical ErbB ligands show up-regulated amount and/or activity above a predetermined level compared to a non-cancerous cell or tissue, said at least two non-identical ErbB ligands are selected as targets for treatment of the pancreatic cancer or lung cancer in the subject, wherein said treatment comprises at least one antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds said at least two ErbB ligands and down-regulates amount and/or activity of said at least two ErbB ligands. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological sample comprises cancerous cells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological sample is selected from the group consisting of blood, plasma, saliva, biopsy, buccal smear and lavage. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said at least two non-identical ErbB ligands are transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF).