Method and cloning vector for preparing multiple-gene diagnostic probes for the assessment of multiple markers for breast cancer prognosis

摘要

The problem of inadequate and cost ineffective broad-range prognostic factors for breast cancer is solved by providing a method for constructing a cloning vector for preparing a multi-gene probe for a single-step determination of disease outcome. The 5-genes chosen (HER2, Topo IIalpha, NM23-H1, CK19 and MMP9) are known to show altered expression in different breast tumors. The multi-gene probe is labeled and used to screen a tumor specimen. Since five prognostic markers are prepared and used simultaneously, a wider variety of breast cancers may be covered and disease outcome prediction may be improved in a wider population at a substantially reduced cost.