Patent ID: 8357501

Claim:
A method, comprising (A) obtaining a cancer tissue sample from a patient that is a candidate for EPO therapy; (B) determining in vitro the level of expression of EPH-B4 in said sample by immunohistochemistry, wherein the distribution of EPH-B4 positive cells is assessed as follows: 0 points, no staining; 1 point, focal or <25%; 2 points, 25-50%, 3 points, 50-75%; 4 points, 75-100%; the staining intensity is assessed as follows: focal or weak (1 point), moderate (2 points) or heavy (3 points); and points for intensity and distribution is multiplied to yield a product ranging from 0 to 12, wherein a product of >3 denotes an elevated level of EPH-B4; (C) correlating an elevated level of EPH-B4 expression in said sample to a negative physiological response in said patient to EPO therapy, wherein said negative physiological response is one or more of increased tumor progression, proliferation of cancer, cell migration, and poorer patient survival; (D) selecting said patient wherein the expression of EPH-B4 is not elevated; and (E) administering EPO to said patient.