Patent ID: 8304199
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring the status of cancer in a patient comprising: determining the concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in a first biological fluid from the patient at a first time point, determining the concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in a second biological fluid from the patient at a second time point that is later than the first time point, wherein the first and second biological fluids are the same type of fluids, and determining the status of cancer in the patient by comparing the concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in the first and second biological fluids wherein a difference in the concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in the first and second biological fluids indicates that the patient's cancer has regressed or worsened; and wherein similar concentrations of soluble c-Met ectodomain in the first and second biological fluids indicates that the patient's cancer has remained stable; and wherein a lower concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in the second biological fluid than that in the first biological fluid indicates that the patient's cancer has regressed; and wherein a greater concentration of soluble c-Met ectodomain in the second biological fluid than that in the first biological fluid indicates that the patient's cancer has worsened.