Patent ID: 6760612
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: A61P,C07K,G01N

Abstract:
A method for detecting the presence or absence of a pro-tumor immune response in an individual comprising the steps of:administering parenterally to an individual an effective amount of detector molecule, wherein the detector molecule comprises an affinity molecule bound to a detectable label, wherein the affinity molecule is selected from the group consisting of a monoclonal antibody, a peptide, a lectin, and an aptamer, and wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting a radioisotope, and a magnetic molecule; subjecting the individual to a time interval sufficient for allowing the detector molecule to localize and concentrate in lymphoid tissue containing shed tumor antigen, if present, and to achieve a background level of signal; subjecting the individual to a procedure wherein an instrument or probe, capable of distinguishing and localizing signal emitted from localized detector molecule bound to shed tumor antigen, is used to scan lymphoid tissues for localization of the detector molecule, and wherein if shed tumor antigen is detectably present in a lymphoid tissue, a signal of measurably greater intensity or strength than that of the background level is detected by the instrument or probe; wherein the finding of lymphoid tissue detected as containing shed tumor antigen is an indicator of the presence of a pro-tumor immune response in the individual.