Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the delivery of immune cells to treat un-resectable or non-resected tumor cells and tumor relapse. The compositions comprise (i) a structure comprising an injectable polymer or scaffold comprising pores; (ii) lymphocytes disposed within the structure, (iii) at least one lymphocyte-adhesion moiety associated with the structure; and (iv) at least one lymphocyte-activating moiety associated with the structure, and optionally an immune stimulant.

Some embodiments of the methods and compositions provided herein relate to the preparation surfactant protein-D (SP-D). Some embodiments include the expression of human SP-D in certain cell lines, and the purification of human SP-D from such cell lines. Some embodiments include the preparation of certain oligomeric forms of human SP-D.

A new sensitive cell biomarker of solid tumors and viral infection is identified in blood. This biomarker can be used to determine presence of carcinomas, sarcomas, and viruses, rapid determination of treatment response, early detection of cancer, early detection of cancer recurrence, and may be used to determine therapy.

Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

The invention relates to a process for preparing cellular microcompartments comprising a hydrogel capsule surrounding a cluster of lymphomatous cells. The invention also relates to such a cellular microcompartment and the use thereof for screening anti-cancer molecules.

The present disclosure provides, e.g., compositions and method for treating cancers, e.g., solid tumors. In embodiments, the compositions comprise an erythroid cell expressing an exogenous polypeptide, e.g., a polypeptide that promotes penetration of the erythroid cell into the solid tumor.

The present invention provides methods for culturing primary cells and tissues from a subject in the presence of the subject's own serum, ascites or pleural effusion fluid. Methods of treating cancer, and screening for the effectiveness or toxicity of drugs are also provided herein.

The present disclosure provides a method for diagnosing cancer, assessing cancer prognosis, monitoring cancer, or assessing effectiveness of cancer treatment. The present disclosure also provides a method for diagnosing cancer, assessing cancer prognosis, monitoring cancer, or assessing effectiveness of cancer treatment by using an atypical circulating tumor cell.

The invention provides methods of predicting responsiveness to a therapeutic agent for treating cancer in an individual using a tumor tissue culture capable of mimicking physiologically relevant signaling. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is an immunotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the methods are capable of distinguishing differential responsiveness to multiple therapeutics agents against the same target.