Inventors:
Philip Beachy - Stanford CA, US
David Berman - Baltimore MD, US
Sunil Karhadkar - Towson MD, US
Edward Schaeffer - Baltimore MD, US
Angelo DeMarzo - Baltimore MD, US
Assignee:
Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore MD
International Classification:
C12Q 1/02, G01N 33/53
Abstract:
Elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity, including ligand stimulated Hh pathway activity, was detected in prostate tumors, and determined to be associated with growth and proliferation of the cancer cells. Accordingly, methods are provided for treating a prostate cancer associated with elevated Hh pathway activity by reducing or inhibiting the Hh pathway activity. Also provided are methods of identifying a prostate tumor of a subject as, or as capable of becoming lethal and/or metastatic.