METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR IDENTIFYING THE ORIGIN OF A CARCINOMA OF UNKNOWN PRIMARY ORIGIN

摘要

The present invention provides a method of identifying origin of a metastasis of unknown origin by obtaining a sample containing metastatic cells; measuring Biomarkers associated with at least two different carcinomas; combining the data from the Biomarkers into a linear discrimination analysis where the linear discrimination analysis normalizes the Biomarkers against a reference; and imposes a cut-off which optimizes sensitivity and specificity of each Biomarker, weights the prevalence of the carcinomas and selects a tissue of origin determining origin based on highest probability determined by the linear discrimination analysis or determining that the carcinoma is not derived from a particular set of carcinomas; and optionally measuring Biomarkers specific for one or more additional different carcinoma, and repeating the steps for additional Biomarkers.