INNOVATION:  UCLA Researchers have developed a method to predict responsiveness to certain anti-cancer drugs in humans. Researchers have found that the level of a particular human protein found in serum is positively correlated to the level of cell survival signaling such as the EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway or the PI3 kinase-AKT pathway. Using this discovery, it is possible to predict patient responsiveness to EGFR inhibitory therapies as well as the status of EGFR, PI3 kinase, MAPK and AKT activation in cancer patients. Using this technology, a simple serum-based assay can provide information for clinical decision making.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Determine if a patient is a candidate for a specific cancer therapy based on the levels of a serum protein.
• Determine if a patient is responding to a specific cancer therapy (EGFR inhibitory therapies) based on the levels of a serum protein.

ADVANTAGES

• Test easily accessible blood or urine samples for levels of protein that indicates responsiveness to anti-cancer drugs.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2007-053