Methods for Detecting and Monitoring COX-2 RNA in Plasma and Serum

摘要

This invention provides methods for detecting or inferring the presence of malignant or premalignant cells in a human wherein the malignant or premalignant cells express COX-2. The methods of the invention detect extracellular COX-2 RNA in blood, plasma, serum, and other bodily fluids. The inventive methods are useful for aiding detection, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, or evaluation of neoplastic disease, and for identifying individuals for whom COX-2 directed therapies would be beneficial.