This invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of genetic markers for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Specifically, this invention relates to detection of expression of overexpressed and underexpressed genetic markers and calculation of ratios of expression of these markers. In additional aspects, the invention relates to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based kits for carrying out these methods.

This disclosure provides a method for treating HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck comprising administering to the subject an immune checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody. The disclosure also provides a method for treating HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck administering to the subject an immune checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody. The subject can be additionally administered another anti-cancer agent.

Provided are a novel polypeptide wherein a portion of DCTN1 protein is fused to a portion of RET protein; a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide; a method for detecting the polynucleotide or the polypeptide; a method of screening for a compound that inhibits expression of the polynucleotide or expression and/or activity of the polypeptide; and a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound that inhibits RET as an active ingredient.

A method of distinguishing between urothelial carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck and lung primaries is presented. A 19-gene signature was developed which differentiates between metastatic urothelial carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in a metastatic site when the primary site is either known or unknown.

Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to nucleic acid aptamers that specifically target CD117 protein and also selective binding to CD117-expressing cells. The ligand-drug conjugates specifically target CD117-expressing cells and subsequently internalize into the cells, leading apoptosis, growth inhibition, and death of cells of interest and no off-target toxicity to CD117-negative normal cells.

The present invention is in the field of tumor prognosis and relates to a method of providing a prognosis to an individual suffering from a tumor. Further, the present invention relates to a method of diagnosing a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an individual, a method of diagnosing a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infectionin an individual, a method of diagnosing a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an individual, and a method of diagnosing a viral induced hepatocellular carcinoma in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of differentiating between at least two conditions in an individual, wherein the at least two conditions are selected from the group consisting of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and a viral induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a lymphoma in an individual. More-over, the present invention relates to a kit for conducting the above mentioned methods.

Provided are applications of an upstream Open Reading Frame (uORF) of a Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN) gene and a polypeptide coded by the same. A potential ORF of 96 bases (31aa-uORF) existing in the 5 UTR of the PTEN can code an oligopeptide of 31 amino acids (named PTEN-31aa) and plays an important role in the development and progression process of tumors. Provided is a new diagnostic and therapeutic method and a drug screening platform for PTEN expression regulation related diseases, in particular gliomas. Also provided is a polypeptide for treatment of PTEN expression regulation related diseases.

The present invention is directed to a novel antibody against CD47 and the antibody fragments thereof and a composition comprising the antibody or antibody fragments thereof. The present invention relates further to a nucleic acid encoding the antibodies or antibody fragments thereof and host cells comprise the same, as well as the relevant use of the same. In addition, the present invention is also directed to the use of these antibodies and antibody fragments in the therapy and diagnosis.

The present invention relates to the field of cancer and inflammation, and in particular methods of monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, detecting, treating and preventing cancer and inflammation conditions. The use of composition comprises method of monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and detecting cancer and inflammation with EN2 and/or SATB2 expression and/or activity. The pharmaceutical composition will further comprise agents that inhibit EN2 and/or SATB2 expression or activity.

Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain rumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor (FIG. 4). In one embodiment a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, rumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery.