Methods and materials for classification of tissue of origin of tumor samples

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for classification of cancers and tissues of origin through the analysis of the expression patterns of specific microRNAs and nucleic acid molecules relating thereto. Classification according to a microRNA tree-based expression framework allows optimization of treatment, and determination of specific therapy.

1 . A method of identifying a tissue of origin of a cancer, said method comprising:
 (a) obtaining a biological sample from a subject;   (b) measuring the relative abundance in said sample of nucleic acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-390 or a sequence having at least about 80% identity thereto; and   (c) comparing said measurement to a reference abundance of said nucleic acid by using a classifier algorithm;   
       wherein the relative abundance of said nucleic acid sequences allows for the identification of the tissue of origin of said sample. 
     
     
         2 .- 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A method of distinguishing between cancers of different origins, said method comprising:
 (a) obtaining a biological sample from a subject;   (b) measuring the relative abundance in said sample of nucleic acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-390 or a sequence having at least about 80% identity thereto; and   (c) comparing said measurement to a reference abundance of said nucleic acid by using a classifier algorithm;   
       wherein the relative abundance of said nucleic acid sequence in said sample allows for distinguishing between cancers of different origins. 
     
     
         43 .- 94 . (canceled) 
     
     
         95 . A kit for cancer origin identification, said kit comprising a probe comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of a sequence that is complementary to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1-390; a fragment thereof and a sequence having at least about 80% identity thereto.