STAT3 AS A THERANOSTIC INDICATOR

摘要

This invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the response of a subject having estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer to an inhibitor of the estrogen signaling pathway (e.g. tamoxifen), comprising measuring in a cancer sample from the subject the level of phosphorylation, compared to a b aseline value, of one or more of the following members of an interconnected intracellular signaling pathway: (a) 4EBP 1, and/or (b) p70S6, and/or (c) ST AT3, and/or (d) FAK, wherein a significantly elevated level of phosphorylati on of 4EBP1, and/or p70S6 and/or STAT3, and/or a significantly decreased lev el of phosphorylation of FAK, compared to the baseline value, indicates that the subject is likely to be a non-responder to the inhibitor and/or has a p oor prognosis. Additional members of the intracellular signaling pathway who se phosphorylation can be measured are also described. Also described is a m ethod for treating breast cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the s ubject exhibits an elevated level of phosphorylation of these markers, compr ising administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more inhibi tors of members of the interconnected intracellular signaling pathway.