METHODS FOR EVALUATING ANGIOGENIC POTENTIAL IN CULTURE

摘要

The present invention provides a method of evaluating the angiogenic potential of a tumor, and for predicting the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies on an individualized basis. The method of the invention involves preparing an angiogenic signature for malignant cells in culture by assaying for the presence or level of one or more angiogenesis-related factors selected from VEGF/VPF, IL8/CXCL8, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, TGF-ß3, bFGF/FGF-2, EGF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AA/BB, IP-10, and Flt-3 ligand. The angiogenic signature may be prepared from cultures maintained under normoxic and/or hypoxic environments. The invention may be used in conjunction with chemoresponse testing of anti-tumor agents, to predict or suggest a combination therapy for cancer patients.