Predictors of patient response to treatment with egf receptor inhibitors   

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to facilitate determining whether an EGFR-expressing cancer in an individual is an EGFR inhibitor-responsive cancer, as well as methods for determining the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy. The methods generally involve determining a normalized expression level of a gene product that correlates with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness.

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/127,816 filed on May 14, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure provides genes and gene sets, the expression levels of which are useful for predicting response of cancer patients to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapy.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), also known as ERBB and HER1, is a gene that encodes a receptor protein found on the surface of some cells and to which an epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cell to divide. EGFR is a member of the HER family of receptors, and the dimerization of EGFR and v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2), also known as HER2, is an important stimulus for breast cancer growth in ERBB2-positive breast cancers. Expression levels of EGFR are amplified in a subset of breast cancers and the resulting overexpression of the receptor contributes to breast cancer etiology.

Because cancer is characterized by rapidly proliferating cells, most cancer drugs attack rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately and, as a result, often exhibited a high degree of toxicity. In most instances, little is known regarding the mechanisms of action of these cytotoxic drugs. Targeted EGFR inhibitors, e.g., have demonstrated activity against a number of cancer types. Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies have shown antitumor activity in advanced colorectal cancer, in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and renal cell carcinomas (Baselga J and Arteaga C L (2005) J Clin Oncol 2445-2459. Clinical trials are ongoing in early stage cancer and in other tumor types and are expected to show activity in cancer types where EGFR is expressed and where EGFR ligands promote tumor growth and progression.

Given the importance in selection of therapy, there has been a push to develop drugs in concert with companion diagnostic tests capable of identifying responsive patients. Such diagnostics would address the situations where some patients who might benefit from treatment do not receive the drug, and other patients who are unlikely to benefit are unnecessarily exposed to toxic side effects, incur unnecessary expense, and/or experience a delay in being treated with alternative drugs that might prove more effective.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides methods and compositions to facilitate determining whether an EGFR-expressing cancer in an individual is an EGFR inhibitor-responsive cancer, as well as methods for determining the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy. The methods generally involve determining a normalized expression level of a gene product that correlates with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness.

The disclosure provides methods for predicting the likelihood that a human patient with an EGFR -expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy based on expression levels of one or more response indicator genes in a biological sample obtained from a tumor in the patient. Specifically, the method entails measuring an expression level of at least one response indicator gene, or its expression product. The response indicator gene is one or more selected from a group consisting of ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, C13orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, ErbB3, DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DR5, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMAS, and GCNT3. The expression level is normalized, and the normalized expression level is used to determine or predict likelihood of beneficial response, wherein increased normalized expression levels of one or more of the following are measured: ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, C13orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, and ErbB3 are positively correlated with the likelihood that the patient will exhibit a beneficial response to the EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy; and increased normalized expression levels of DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DR5, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMA3, and GCNT3 are negatively correlated with the likelihood that the patient will exhibit a beneficial response to the EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy. A report is generated based on the determined likelihood of response.

The disclosure provides methods for predicting a likelihood that a human patient with a KRAS-negative, EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy based on expression levels of one or more response indicator genes in a biological sample obtained from a tumor in the patient. Specifically, the method entails measuring an expression level of at least one response indicator gene, or its expression product, selected from a group consisting of EGF, ADAM17, PTP4A3, ADAM15, QPRT, SATB2, RASSF1, VAV3, CEACAM6, EREG, AREG, TITF1, SORBS1, C13orf18, CKMT2, BTC, ATP5E, B.Catenin, CCNE1, EGFR, Bclx, BRCA1, CDC25B, CHN2, ID1, SLC26A3, VDAC2, SERPINB1, PHLDA1, ANXA2P2, KRT17, EPHA2, DUSP4, CGA, CA9, Maspin, NEDD8, DUSP6, GPC3, NT5E, VIL2, and P14ARF. The expression level is normalized, and the normalized expression level is used to determine or predict likelihood of beneficial response, wherein increased normalized expression levels of one or more of the following are measured: EGF, ADAM17, PTP4A3, ADAM15, QPRT, SATB2, RASSF1, VAV3, CEACAM6, EREG, AREG, TITF1, SORBS1, C13orf18, CKMT2, BTC, ATP5E, B.Catenin, CCNE1, EGFR, Bclx, BRCA1, CDC25B, CHN2, ID1, and SLC26A3 are positively correlated with the likelihood that the patient will exhibit a beneficial response to the EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy; and increased normalized expression levels of VDAC2, SERPINB1, PHLDA1, ANXA2P2, KRT17, EPHA2, DUSP4, CGA, CA9, Maspin, NEDD8, DUSP6, GPC3, NT5E, VIL2, and P14ARF are negatively correlated with the likelihood that the patient will exhibit a beneficial response to the EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy.

The methods of the present disclosure contemplate using a normalized expression level to determine or predict likelihood of beneficial response, based on normalized expression level(s) for single response indicator genes and/or multi-gene sets. Exemplary multi-gene sets are disclosed. The expression values are normalized relative to an expression level of one or more reference genes. The disclosure provides for measurement of normalized expression level(s) of at least one response indicator gene product. For all aspects of the present disclosure, the methods may further include determining the expression levels of at least two of said genes, or their expression products. It is further contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least three of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least four of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least five of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least six of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least seven of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least eight of said genes, or their expression products. It is contemplated that the methods of the present disclosure may further include determining the expression levels of at least nine of said genes, or their expression products. The methods may involve determination of the expression levels of at least ten (10) or at least fifteen (15) of the genes listed above or their products.

A normalized expression level(s), generated as discussed above, is used to determine or predict likelihood of beneficial response, The normalized expression level(s) is indicative of the likelihood that the patient will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy, such as an EGFR-specific antibody or small molecule. A likelihood score (e.g., a score predicting likelihood of beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment) can be calculated based on the normalized expression level(s). A score may be calculated using weighted values based on a normalized expression level of a response indicator gene and its contribution to response to EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy.

In addition, the disclosure provides arrays for carrying out the methods disclose herein, or for analyzing whether a mathematical combination of the normalized expression levels of any combination of the response indicator genes is more indicative of a likelihood that a patient will respond to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. The arrays may include, for example, probes that hybridize to a nucleic acid sequence in a response indicator genes or an activating KRAS mutation.

Determining the expression level of one or more genes may be accomplished by, for example, a method of gene expression profiling. The method of gene expression profiling may be, for example, a PCR-based method. The expression level of said genes can be determined, for example, by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), or other PCR-based methods, immunohistochemistry, proteomics techniques, an array-based method, or any other methods known in the art or their combination. In one aspect the RNA transcripts are fragmented.

Detection of an RNA transcript of a response indicator gene may be accomplished by assaying for an exon-based sequence or an intron-based sequence, the expression of which correlates with the expression of a corresponding exon sequence.

In an exemplary embodiment, the assay for the measurement of response indicator genes, or their gene products, and/or activating KRAS mutations is provided in the form of a kit or kits.

The expression levels of the genes may be normalized relative to the expression levels of one or more reference genes, or their expression products.

The tumor sample may be, for example, a tissue sample containing cancer cells, or portion(s) of cancer cells, where the tissue can be fixed, paraffin-embedded or fresh or frozen tissue. For example, the tissue may be from a biopsy (fine needle, core or other types of biopsy) or obtained by fine needle aspiration, or by obtaining body fluid containing a cancer cell, e.g. urine, blood, etc.

For all aspects of the methods of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that for every increment of an increase in the level of one or more genes or their expression products, the patient is identified to show an incremental increase in clinical outcome.

The determination of expression levels may occur more than one time in the practice of the methods disclosed herein.

The methods may further include the step of creating a report based on the determined or predicted likelihood of beneficial response. In another aspect the present disclosure provides reports for a patient containing a summary of the expression levels of the one or more response indicator genes, or their expression products, in a tumor sample obtained from said patient. In one aspect the report is in electronic form.

In one embodiment, the EGFR inhibitor is an antibody specific for EGFR. In another, the EGFR inhibitor is a small molecule, for example an EGFR-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the sequences of probes and primers used to assay each gene identified in the studies.

FIG. 2 shows the sequences of amplicons expected from the use of the probes and primers shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-10D provide sets of graphs showing probability curves. Each graph contains three lines—a center dark line and two lighter lines above and below the dark centerline. Each graph has a center dark line representing the model-predicted relationship between normalized gene expression on the x-axis and likelihood of beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor on the y-axis (predicted probability curve). The lighter grey lines above and below the black line represent the 95% Confidence Interval for the predicted probability, i.e. at a particular expression value for the gene, there is a 95% probability that the upper and lower grey lines include the that the actual probability of response. Confidence Intervals for the probability curves were calculated using the normal approximation method. The name of the gene analyzed is indicated below each graph by the text preceding the period; for example, “AREG.2” refers to AREG. Each of FIGS. 3A-10D are described in more detail below.

FIGS. 3A-3D show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 1A for analysis of ORR in all patients (K-ras negative and K-ras positive); Odds Ratio>1.

FIGS. 4A-4F show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 1B for analysis of ORR in all patients (K-ras negative and K-ras positive); Odds Ratio<1.

FIGS. 5A-5E show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 2A for analysis of DC in all patients (K-ras negative and K-ras positive); Odds Ratio>1.

FIGS. 6A-6F shows probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 2B for analysis of DC in all patients (K-ras negative and K-ras positive); Odds Ratio<1.

FIGS. 7A-7C show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 6A for analysis of ORR in K-ras negative patients; Odds Ratio>1.

FIGS. 8A-8C show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 6B for analysis of ORR in K-ras negative patients; Odds Ratio<1.

FIGS. 9A-9E show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 7A for analysis of DC in K-ras negative patients; Odds Ratio>1.

FIGS. 10A-10D show probability curves that correspond to the data reported in Table 7B for analysis of DC in K-ras negative patients; Odds Ratio<1.

Each of Tables 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B provides an Odds Ratio for each response indicator and gene listed in the table. The Odds Ratio reported for a gene is related to the overall slope of the probability curve shown in the corresponding Figure and is a measure of the change in the model-predicted probability of response for every unit change in normalized gene expression. As shown, genes with stronger odds ratios (further from 1) in the tables are depicted with steeper slopes in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology 2nd ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 1994), and March, Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure 4th ed., John Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 1992), provide one skilled in the art with a general guide to many of the terms used in the present application.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

The terms “k-ras” and “KRAS” as used herein (including in tables and figures) are used interchangeably and refer to the KRAS gene identified as of the date of this filing in the NCBI Entrez Gene database as Accession No. NM—004985.3 (Entrez Gene database, NCBI), and/or its expression products.

As used herein, the term “KRAS status”, refers to whether a patient\'s cancer is negative for an activating KRAS mutation (KRAS-negative) or positive for an activating KRAS mutation (KRAS-positive).

As used herein, the term “activating KRAS mutation” refers to a mutation in a k-ras gene that results in constitutive activation of a protein encoded by k-ras, i.e. the k-ras protein activates molecules downstream in its signaling pathway in the absence of receptor bound ligand. As an example, the k-ras protein might activate downstream signaling in the absence of EGF, amphiregulin, or epiregulin binding to EGFR.

As used herein, the term “EGFR-expressing cancer” refers to a cancer tumor with cells that express a cell surface epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) polypeptide.

As used herein, the term “epidermal growth factor receptor” (“EGFR”) refers to a gene that encodes a membrane polypeptide that binds, and is thereby activated by, epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGFR is also known in the literature as ERBB, ERBB 1 and HER1. An exemplary EGFR is the human epidermal growth factor receptor (see Ullrich et al. (1984) Nature 309:418-425; Genbank accession number NP—005219.2). Binding of an EGF ligand activates the EGFR (e.g. resulting in activation of intracellular mitogenic signaling, autophosphorylation of EGFR). One of skill in the art will appreciate that other ligands, in addition to EGF, can bind to and activate the EGFR. Examples of such ligands include, but are not limited to, amphiregulin, epiregulin, TGF-α, betacellulin, and heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) (Strawn and Shawver (1998) Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 7(4)553-573, and “The Protein Kinase Facts Book: Protein Tyrosine Kinases” (1995) Hardie, et al. (eds.), Academic Press, NY, N.Y.). See also, Oda et al. ((2005) Molec. Systems Biol. 1:2005.0010; and Moulder et al. ((2001) Cancer Res. 61:8887.

As used herein, an “EGFR gene” refers to a nucleic acid that encodes an EGFR gene product, e.g., an EGFR mRNA, an EGFR polypeptide, and the like.

As used herein, “EGFR inhibitor” refers to any agent capable of directly or indirectly inhibiting activation of an EGFR. EGFR inhibitors include agents that bind to an EGFR and inhibit its activation. EGFR inhibitors include antibodies that bind to an EGFR and inhibit activation of the EGFR; as well as small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors that inhibit activation of an EGFR. Antibodies to EGFR include IgG; IgM; IgA; antibody fragments that retain EGFR binding capability, e.g., Fv, Fab, F(ab)2, single-chain antibodies, and the like; chimeric antibodies; etc. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors of EGFR include EGFR-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors of EGFR can have a molecular weight in a range of from about 50 Da to about 10,000 Da.

The term “tumor,” as used herein, refers to any neoplastic cell growth and proliferation, whether malignant or benign, and all pre-cancerous and cancerous cells and tissues.

The terms “cancer” and “cancerous” refer to or describe the physiological condition in mammals that is typically characterized in part by unregulated cell growth. Examples of cancer include, but are not limited to, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, cancer of the urinary tract, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, carcinoma, melanoma, brain cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, endometrial cancer, multiple myeloma, rectal cancer, and esophageal cancer. In an exemplary embodiment, the cancer is colorectal cancer.

As used herein, the term “pathology” of cancer includes all phenomena that compromise the well-being of the patient. This includes, without limitation, abnormal or uncontrollable cell growth, metastasis, interference with the normal functioning of neighboring cells, release of cytokines or other secretory products at abnormal levels, suppression or aggravation of inflammatory or immunological response, neoplasia, premalignancy, malignancy, invasion of surrounding or distant tissues or organs, such as lymph nodes, etc.

The terms “subject,” “individual,” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a mammal being assessed for treatment and/or being treated. In an embodiment, the mammal is a human. The terms “subject,” “individual,” and “patient” thus encompass individuals having cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer or other cancer referenced herein), including those who have undergone or are candidates for resection (surgery) to remove cancerous tissue (e.g., cancerous colorectal tissue or other cancer referenced herein).

As used herein, the terms “treatment,” “treating,” and the like, refer to administering an agent, or carrying out a procedure (e.g., radiation, a surgical procedure, etc.), for the purposes of obtaining a effect. The effect may be prophylactic in terms of completely or partially preventing a disease or symptom thereof and/or may be therapeutic in terms of effecting a partial or complete cure for a disease and/or symptoms of the disease. “Treatment,” as used herein, covers any treatment of a disease in a mammal, particularly in a human, and includes: (a) preventing the disease or a symptom of a disease from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it (e.g., including diseases that may be associated with or caused by a primary disease; (b) inhibiting the disease, i.e., arresting its development; and (c) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the disease.

As used herein in the context of patient response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment, the terms “beneficial response,” “beneficial patient response,” and “clinically beneficial response,” “clinical benefit,” and the like, are used interchangeably and refer to favorable patient response to a drug as opposed to unfavorable responses, i.e. adverse events. In individual patients, beneficial response can be expressed in terms of a number of clinical parameters, including loss of detectable tumor (complete response, CR), decrease in tumor size and/or cancer cell number (partial response, PR), tumor growth arrest (stable disease, SD), enhancement of anti-tumor immune response, possibly resulting in regression or rejection of the tumor; relief, to some extent, of one or more symptoms associated with the tumor; increase in the length of survival following treatment; and/or decreased mortality at a given point of time following treatment. Continued increase in tumor size and/or cancer cell number and/or tumor metastasis is indicative of lack of beneficial response to treatment.

In a population the clinical benefit of a drug, i.e. its efficacy can be evaluated on the basis of one or more endpoints. For example, analysis of overall response rate (ORR) classifies as responders those patients who experience CR or PR after treatment with drug. Analysis of disease control (DC) classifies as responders those patients who experience CR, PR or SD after treatment with drug.

As is used herein, the term “progression free survival” refers to the time interval from treatment of the patient until the progression of cancer or death of the patient, whichever occurs first.

As used herein, the term “responder” refers to a patient who has an EGFR-expressing cancer, and who exhibits a beneficial clinical response following treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.

As used herein, the term “non-responder” refers to a patient who has an EGFR-expressing cancer, and who has not shown a beneficial response following treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.

As used herein, the term “correlates,” or “correlates with,” and like terms, refers to a statistical association between instances of two events, where events include numbers, data sets, and the like. For example, when the events involve numbers, a positive correlation (also referred to herein as a “direct correlation”) means that as one increases, the other increases as well. A negative correlation (also referred to herein as an “inverse correlation”) means that as one increases, the other decreases. The correlation need not necessarily be a linear correlation and need not apply across the entire range of the variables.

The term “tumor sample” as used herein means a sample comprising tumor material obtained from a cancerous patient. The term encompasses clinical samples, for example tissue obtained by surgical resection and tissue obtained by biopsy, such as for example a core biopsy or a fine needle biopsy. The term also encompasses samples comprising tumor cells obtained from sites other than the primary tumor, e.g., circulating tumor cells. The term encompasses cells that are the progeny of the patient\'s tumor cells, e.g. cell culture samples derived from primary tumor cells or circulating tumor cells. The term encompasses samples that may comprise protein or nucleic acid material shed from tumor cells in vivo, e.g. bone marrow, blood, plasma, serum, and the like. The term also encompasses samples that have been enriched for tumor cells or otherwise manipulated after their procurement and samples comprising polynucleotides and/or polypeptides that are obtained from a patient\'s tumor material.

The terms “gene product” and “expression product” are used interchangeably herein in reference to a molecule produced using a gene\'s information. For example, a gene product or expression product would include RNA transcription products (transcripts) of the gene, including mRNA and the polypeptide translation products of such RNA transcripts, whether such product is modified post-translationally or not (e.g., unspliced RNA, a splice variant mRNA, RNA fragment, etc.). In addition, a gene product or expression product includes the polypeptide translation products of such RNA, whether such product is modified post-translationally or not (e.g., a splice variant polypeptide, etc.)

As used herein, the term “normalized expression level” refers to an expression level of a response indicator gene relative to the level of an expression product of a reference gene(s).

As used herein, the term “response indicator gene” refers to a gene, the expression of which correlates positively or negatively with beneficial patient response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. The expression of a response indicator gene may be measured by determining the expression level of an expression product of the response indicator gene.

The term “increased expression” or “increased normalized expression” with regard to a gene or an RNA transcript (or other expression product, e.g., protein) is used to refer to the level of the transcript (or fragmented RNA) determined by normalization to the level of one or more reference mRNA(s), which might be all measured transcripts in the specimen, a single reference mRNA, or a particular reference set of mRNAs. A gene exhibits “increased expression” in a subpopulation of subjects when the normalized expression level of an RNA transcript (or its gene product) is higher in one clinically relevant subpopulation of patients (e.g., patients who are responsive to an EGFR inhibitor) than in a related subpopulation (e.g., patients who are not responsive to said EGF inhibitor). In the context of an analysis of a normalized expression level of a gene in tissue obtained from an individual subject, a gene is exhibits “increased expression” when the normalized expression level of the gene trends toward or more closely approximates the normalized expression level characteristic of such a clinically relevant subpopulation of patients. Thus, for example, when the gene analyzed is a gene that shows increased expression in responsive subjects as compared to non-responsive subjects, then if the expression level of the gene in the patient sample trends toward a level of expression characteristic of a responsive subject, then the gene expression level supports a determination that the individual patient is likely to be a responder. Similarly, where the gene analyzed is a gene that is increased in expression in non-responsive patients as compared to responsive patients, then if the expression level of the gene in the patient sample trends toward a level of expression characteristic of a non-responsive subject, then the gene expression level supports a determination that the individual patient will be non-responsive. Thus normalized expression of a given gene as disclosed herein can be described as being positively correlated with an increased likelihood of positive clinical response to chemotherapy or as being positively correlated with a decreased likelihood of a positive clinical response to chemotherapy.

As used herein, the terms “label” and “detectable label” refer to a molecule capable of being detected, where such molecules include, but are not limited to, radioactive isotopes, fluorescers (fluorophores), chemiluminescers, chromophores, enzymes, enzyme substrates, enzyme cofactors, enzyme inhibitors, chromophores, dyes, metal ions, metal sols, ligands (e.g., biotin, avidin, strepavidin or haptens), intercalating dyes and the like. The term “fluorescer” or “fluorophore” refers to a substance or a portion thereof which is capable of exhibiting fluorescence in a detectable range.

As used herein, the term “target nucleic acid region” or “target nucleic acid” refers to a nucleic acid with a “target sequence” to be detected (e.g., in a method involving nucleic acid hybridization and/or amplification). The target nucleic acid may be either single-stranded or double-stranded and may or may not include other sequences besides the target sequence (e.g., the target nucleic acid may or may not include nucleic acid sequences upstream or 5′ flanking sequence, and may or may not include downstream or 3′ flanking sequence. Where detection is by amplification, these other sequences in addition to the target sequence may or may not be amplified with the target sequence.

The term “primer” or “oligonucleotide primer” as used herein, refers to an oligonucleotide which acts to initiate synthesis of a complementary nucleic acid strand when placed under conditions in which synthesis of a primer extension product is induced, e.g., in the presence of nucleotides and a polymerization-inducing agent such as a DNA or RNA polymerase and at suitable temperature, pH, metal ion concentration, and salt concentration. Primers are generally of a length compatible with their use in synthesis of primer extension products, and can be in the range of between about 8 nucleotides and about 100 nucleotides (nt) in length, such as about 10 nt to about 75 nt, about 15 nt to about 60 nt, about 15 nt to about 40 nt, about 18 nt to about 30 nt, about 20 nt to about 40 nt, about 21 nt to about 50 nt, about 22 nt to about 45 nt, about 25 nt to about 40 nt, and so on, e.g., in the range of between about 18 nt and about 40 nt, between about 20 nt and about 35 nt, between about 21 and about 30 nt in length, inclusive, and any length between the stated ranges. Primers can be in the range of between about 10-50 nucleotides long, such as about 15-45, about 18-40, about 20-30, about 21-25 nt and so on, and any length between the stated ranges. In some embodiments, the primers are not more than about 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 nucleotides in length. In this context, the term “about” may be construed to mean 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 more nucleotides either 5′ or 3′ from either termini or from both termini

Primers are in many embodiments single-stranded for maximum efficiency in amplification, but may alternatively be double-stranded. If double-stranded, the primer is in many embodiments first treated to separate its strands before being used to prepare extension products. This denaturation step is typically effected by heat, but may alternatively be carried out using alkali, followed by neutralization. Thus, a “primer” is complementary to a template, and complexes by hydrogen bonding or hybridization with the template to give a primer/template complex for initiation of synthesis by a polymerase, which is extended by the covalent addition of bases at its 3′ end.

A “primer pair” as used herein refers to first and second primers having nucleic acid sequence suitable for nucleic acid-based amplification of a target nucleic acid. Such primer pairs generally include a first primer having a sequence that is the same or similar to that of a first portion of a target nucleic acid, and a second primer having a sequence that is complementary to a second portion of a target nucleic acid to provide for amplification of the target nucleic acid or a fragment thereof. Reference to “first” and “second” primers herein is arbitrary, unless specifically indicated otherwise. For example, the first primer can be designed as a “forward primer” (which initiates nucleic acid synthesis from a 5′ end of the target nucleic acid) or as a “reverse primer” (which initiates nucleic acid synthesis from a 5′ end of the extension product produced from synthesis initiated from the forward primer) Likewise, the second primer can be designed as a forward primer or a reverse primer.

As used herein, the term “probe” or “oligonucleotide probe”, used interchangeable herein, refers to a structure comprised of a polynucleotide, as defined above, which contains a nucleic acid sequence complementary to a nucleic acid sequence present in the target nucleic acid analyte (e.g., a nucleic acid amplification product). The polynucleotide regions of probes may be composed of DNA, and/or RNA, and/or synthetic nucleotide analogs. Probes are generally of a length compatible with their use in specific detection of all or a portion of a target sequence of a target nucleic acid, and are in many embodiments in the range of between about 8 nt and about 100 nt in length, such as about 8 to about 75 nt, about 10 to about 74 nt, about 12 to about 72 nt, about 15 to about 60 nt, about 15 to about 40 nt, about 18 to about 30 nt, about 20 to about 40 nt, about 21 to about 50 nt, about 22 to about 45 nt, about 25 to about 40 nt in length, and so on, e.g., in the range of between about 18-40 nt, about 20-35 nt, or about 21-30 nt in length, and any length between the stated ranges. In some embodiments, a probe is in the range of between about 10-50 nucleotides long, such as about 15-45, about 18-40, about 20-30, about 21-28, about 22-25 and so on, and any length between the stated ranges. In some embodiments, the primers are not more than about 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 nucleotides in length. In this context, the term “about” may be construed to mean 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 more nucleotides either 5′ or 3′ from either termini or from both termini.

Where a nucleic acid is said to hybridize to a recited nucleic acid sequence, hybridization is under stringent conditions. An example of stringent hybridization conditions is hybridization at 50° C. or higher and 0.1×SSC (15 mM sodium chloride/1.5 mM sodium citrate). Another example of stringent hybridization conditions is overnight incubation at 42° C. in a solution: 50% formamide, 5×SSC (150 mM NaCl, 15 mM trisodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH7.6), 5×Denhardt\'s solution, 10% dextran sulfate, and 20 μg/ml denatured, sheared salmon sperm DNA, followed by washing the filters in 0.1×SSC at about 65° C. Stringent hybridization conditions are hybridization conditions that are at least as stringent as the above representative conditions, where conditions are considered to be at least as stringent if they are at least about 80% as stringent, e.g., at least about 90% as stringent as the above specific stringent conditions.

The term “computer-based system”, as used herein refers to the hardware, software, and data storage system used to analyze information. The minimum hardware of a patient computer-based system comprises a central processing unit (CPU), input device, output device, and data storage device. A skilled artisan can readily appreciate that many of the currently available computer-based system are suitable for use in the present invention and may be programmed to perform the specific measurement and/or calculation functions of the methods as disclosed herein.

To “record” data, programming or other information on a computer readable medium refers to a process for storing information, using any such methods as known in the art. Any convenient data storage structure may be chosen, based on the method and/or device used to access the stored information. A variety of data processor programs and formats can be used for storage, e.g. word processing text file, database format, etc.

A “processor” or “computing system” or “computing device” references any hardware and/or software combination that will perform the functions required of it. For example, any processor herein may be a programmable digital microprocessor such as available in the form of an electronic controller, mainframe, server or personal computer (desktop or portable). Where the processor is programmable, suitable programming can be communicated from a remote location to the processor, or previously saved in a computer program product (such as a portable or fixed computer readable storage medium, whether magnetic, optical or solid state device based). For example, a magnetic medium or optical disk may carry the programming, and can be read by a suitable reader communicating with each processor at its corresponding station.

Before the present invention and specific exemplary embodiments of the invention are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a reference gene” includes a plurality of such genes and reference to “the EGFR inhibitor” includes reference to one or more EGFR inhibitors, and so forth. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

The practice of the methods and compositions of the present disclosure will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, and biochemistry, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature, such as, “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 2nd edition (Sambrook et al., 1989); “Oligonucleotide Synthesis” (M. J. Gait, ed., 1984); “Animal Cell Culture” (R. I. Freshney, ed., 1987); “Methods in Enzymology” (Academic Press, Inc.); “Handbook of Experimental Immunology”, 4th edition (D. M. Weir & C. C. Blackwell, eds., Blackwell Science Inc., 1987); “Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells” (J. M. Miller & M. P. Calos, eds., 1987); “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987); and “PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction”, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994).

Based on evidence of differential expression of a gene (e.g., as detected by assaying for an RNA transcript) in cancer cells that positively respond to an EGFR-inhibitor and non-responsive cancer cells, the present disclosure provides response indicator genes and gene modules. These response indicator genes and/or gene modules and associated information provided by the present disclosure allow physicians to make more intelligent treatment decisions, and to customize the treatment of EGFR-expressing cancer to the needs of individual patients, thereby maximizing the benefit of treatment and minimizing the exposure of patients to unnecessary treatments, which do not provide any significant benefits and often carry serious risks due to toxic side-effects.

The response indicator genes and/or gene modules and associated information provided by the present disclosure have utility in the development of therapies to treat EGFR-expressing cancer and screening patients for inclusion in clinical trials that test the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors. Said genes and/or gene modules and association information may also be used to design or produce a reagent that modulates the level or activity of the gene\'s transcript (i.e., RNA transcript) or its expression product. Said reagents may include but are not limited to an antisense RNA, a small inhibitory RNA, a ribozyme, a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody.

In various embodiments of the methods of the present disclosure, various technological approaches are available for determination of expression levels of the disclosed genes, including, without limitation, RT-PCR, microarrays, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and nucleic acid sequencing, which will be discussed in detail below. In particular embodiments, the expression level of each gene may be determined in relation to various features of the expression products of the gene including exons, introns, protein epitopes and protein activity

The present disclosure provides methods to predict the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy. Patients subject to such an assessment include: 1) patients who have an EGFR-expressing cancer and who have not yet undergone any treatment for the cancer; 2) patients who have an EGFR-expressing cancer and who have undergone complete or partial resection of the cancer, e.g., who have undergone surgical removal of cancerous tissues to the extent clinically possible; and 3) patients who have an EGFR-expressing cancer and who have been treated with a treatment regimen other than an EGFR inhibitor treatment regimen. Patients who are subject to a likelihood assessment as disclosed herein also include those whose cancer is KRAS-negative (e.g., patients who have a (KRAS−) tumor).

It will be appreciated that the same patient sample, and even the same assay, may be used for both determining whether a cancer is an EGFR-expressing cancer and assessing the likelihood that the patient having an EGFR -expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor cancer therapy. For example, the assay(s) used to determine whether the cancer is an EGFR-expressing cancer may be carried out at the same time as the assay(s) used to assess the likelihood that the patient having an EGFR -expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor. Alternatively, the result of the assay(s) used to determine whether the cancer is an EGFR-expressing cancer may guide the decision as to whether and how to apply an additional assay(s) used to assess the likelihood that the patient having an EGFR -expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor.

EGFR-expressing cancers include cancers comprising cells that express an EGFR on their cell surface. Such cancers include, but are not limited to, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer prostate cancer, brain cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and head and neck cancer.

A patient who is being assessed using the method disclosed in the present disclosure is one who may be considered for treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. EGFR inhibitors include, e.g., antibodies that bind to and inhibit EGFR, EGFR-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and the like. EGFR inhibitors include, but are not limited to, cetuximab (Erbitux®) and panitumumab (Vectibix®), both monoclonal antibodies that block EGFR and EGFR-dependent cell growth; gefitinib (Iressa®; N-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-7-methoxy-6-(3-morpholin-4-ylpropoxy)quinazolin-4-amine); OSI774 (erlotinib, Tarceva®; N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy) quinazolin-4-amine); and alpha-cyano-beta-methyl-N-Rtrifluoromethoxylphenyl1-propenamide (LFM-A12), all small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors; and the like. Erbitux is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Vectibix is a registered trademark of Amgen, Inc. Iressa is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca. Tarceva is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.

EGFR inhibitors also include EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as quinazolines, such as PD 153035 (Fry et al. (1994) Science 265:1093; and Traxler et al. (1997) J. Pharm. Belg. 52:1997), 4-(3-chloroanilino) quinazoline, or CP-358,774; pyrrolopyrimidines, such as CGP 59326, CGP 60261 and CGP 62706 (Traxler et al. (1997) J. Pharm. Belg. 52:1997); pyrazolopyrimidines (Strawn and Shawver (April 1998) Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 7:553-573); 4-(phenylamino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidines (Traxler et al., (1996) J. Med. Chem 39:2285-2292); curcumin (diferuloyl methane) (Laxminarayana, et al., (1995), Carcinogen 16:1741-1745); 4,5-bis (4-fluoroanilino)phthalimide (Buchdunger et al. (1995) Clin. Cancer Res. 1:813-821; Dinney et al. (1997) Clin. Cancer Res. 3:161-168); tyrphostins containing nitrothiophene moieties (Brunton et al. (1996) Anti Cancer Drug Design 11:265-295); the protein kinase inhibitor ZD-1839 (AstraZeneca) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,599; Strawn and Shawver (April 1998) Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 7:553-573; and Woodburn et al. (1997) Abstract #4251, Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res. 38:633); CP-358774 (Pfizer, Inc.) (Moyer et al. (1997) Cancer Res. 57:4838); PD-0183805 (Warner-Lambert); inhibitors as described in International patent application WO99/09016 (American Cyanamid); WO98/43960 (American Cyanamid); WO97/38983 (Warner Lambert); WO99/06378 (Warner Lambert); WO99/06396 (Warner Lambert); WO96/30347 (Pfizer, Inc.); WO96/33978 (AstraZeneca); WO96/33977 (AstraZeneca); and WO96/33980 (AstraZeneca).

The present disclosure provides methods to predict the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy. The methods generally involve determining a normalized expression level of a gene or gene product that correlates with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness. Genes that correlate with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness are referred to herein as “response indicator genes.”

As discussed in more detail below, a normalized level of one or more response indicator genes can be determined.

Particular mutations in a k-ras gene result in constitutive activation of protein encoded by k-ras. The presence of such activating mutations correlates with patient response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. Khambata-Ford et al. (2007) Clin. Oncol. 25:3230; Lièvre et al. (2008) J. Clin. Oncol. 26:374; WO 2006/086777; and WO 2007/001868. Mutations in a k-ras gene that result in constitutive activation of the k-ras-encoded protein are referred to herein as “KRAS mutations” or “activating KRAS mutations.” Detection of activating KRAS mutations can be carried out in conjunction with determination of normalized levels of one or more response indicator genes. Thus, the present disclosure provides methods to predict the likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, where the method involves: a) detecting a KRAS mutation in a tumor sample obtained from the patient; and b) determining a normalized level of a response indicator gene(s).

In carrying out a subject method, a level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, in a tumor sample from a patient is assayed. The level of the response indicator gene, or its gene product, is then “normalized,” generating a normalized expression level. A number of response indicator genes were identified. The normalized expression levels of these response indicator genes correlate, positively or negatively, with beneficial patient response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. Thus, normalized expression levels of one or more of these response indicator genes can be determined to assess the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy. Response indicator genes are identified as described in detail below and in the Examples.

Response indicator genes of the present disclosure include: ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, C13orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, and ErbB3, and one or more of these may be measured in order to assess the likelihood of beneficial response. Normalized expression levels of each of these genes are positively correlated with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. In other words, normalized expression levels of these genes positively correlate with likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment.

Response indicator genes of the present disclosure include: DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DRS, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMA3, and GCNT3, and one or more of these may be measured in order to assess the likelihood of beneficial response. Normalized expression levels of each of these genes are negatively correlated with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. In other words, normalized expression levels of these genes indicate a decreased likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment.

Response indicator genes of the present disclosure include: EGF, ADAM17, PTP4A3, ADAM15, QPRT, SATB2, RASSF1, VAV3, CEACAM6, EREG, AREG, TITF1, SORBS1, C13orf18, CKMT2, BTC, ATP5E, B.Catenin, CCNE1, EGFR, Bclx, BRCA1, CDC25B, CHN2, ID1, and SLC26A3, and one or more of these may be measured in order to assess the likelihood of beneficial response. Normalized expression levels of each of these genes are positively correlated with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. In other words, normalized expression levels of these genes positively correlate with likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. These response indicator genes can be of particular interest in assessment of patients with KRAS-negative tumors.

Response indicator genes of the present disclosure include: VDAC2, SERPINB1, PHLDA1, ANXA2P2, KRT17, EPHA2, DUSP4, CGA, CA9, Maspin, NEDD8, DUSP6, GPC3, NT5E, VIL2, and P14ARF, and one or more of these may be measured in order to assess the likelihood of beneficial response. Normalized expression levels of each of these genes are negatively correlated with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. In other words, normalized expression levels of these genes indicate a decreased likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. These response indicator genes can be of particular interest in assessment of patients with KRAS-negative tumors.

Assessing Likelihood of an Individual Patient\'s Beneficial Response to EGFR Inhibitor Treatment

As described above, a number of response indicator genes were identified in multi-patient studies. Normalized levels of these indicator gene products can then be determined in an individual patient who has cancer and for whom treatment with an EGFR inhibitor is being contemplated. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, treatment with an EGFR inhibitor may be indicated, or an alternative treatment regimen may be indicated.

In carrying out a subject assessment, a tumor sample comprising a response indicator gene is assayed for a level of a response indicator gene or gene product(s). The tumor sample can be obtained from a solid tumor, e.g., via biopsy, or from a surgical procedure carried out to remove a tumor; or from a tissue or bodily fluid that contains cancer cells.

An expression level of a response indicator gene is normalized relative to the level of an expression product of a reference gene(s). Assessing the response likelihood is conducted by comparing the normalized expression level to a range of values of normalized expression levels of one or more reference genes in an EGFR-expressing cancer cell.

Response Indicator Gene Analysis

Normalized expression level of one or more response indicator genes can be carried out to assess the likelihood that a patient will respond to EGFR inhibitor treatment. Thus, this disclosure provides that the normalized expression level of a single or multiple response indicator genes can be used to assess the likelihood that a patient will respond to EGFR inhibitor treatment. The analysis can be more stringent, e.g., the likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment by exhibiting a partial response or a complete response can be assessed. The analysis can be less stringent, e.g., the likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment by exhibiting disease control (DC) can be assessed.

Multi-Gene Analysis

It will be appreciated that assessment of likelihood of beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor therapy can be conducted by determining normalized expression levels of a set of response indicator genes, i.e. two or more response indicator genes (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more response indicator genes), or any combination of one or more sets of response indicator genes. The assessment can involve analyzing expression levels of a combination of response indicator genes, and determining normalized expression levels of the combination of response indicator genes, where the response indicator gene products can include gene products that are positively correlated with clinical benefit and gene products that are negatively correlated with clinical benefit. For example, a normalized level of a first gene that positively correlates with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment, and a normalized level of a second gene that negatively correlates with beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment, can be determined. The following are non-limiting examples of response indicator genes whose normalized levels can be used in combination, either alone or in combination with other multi-gene response indicator sets, to assess the likelihood of response to EGFR inhibitor treatment:

Exemplary multi-gene sets including two genes: set 1: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 2: PHLDA1; AREG; set 3: PHLDA1; EREG set 4: CHN2; PTP4A3; set 5: PTP4A3; SATB2; set 6: EPHA2; AREG; set 7: EPHA2; EREG; set 8: EREG; PTP4A3 set 9: PTP4A3; SLC26A3; set 10: EREG; AREG; set 11: DUSP6; AREG; set 12: DUSP6; EREG; set 13: EGFR; EREG; set 14: SLC26A3; EREG; and set 15: SFN; EREG.

Exemplary multi-gene sets including three genes: set 16: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; AREG; set 17: EGFR; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 18: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SATB2; set 19: AREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 20: EGFR; PHLDA1; AREG; set 21: EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 22: EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 23: EREG; PHLDA1; SATB2; set 24: EREG; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 25: KRT17; PHLDA1; AREG; set 26: PHLDA1; SATB2; AREG; set 27: AREG; CEACAM6; PHLDA1; set 28: AREG; EGFR; PHLDA1; set 29: DUSP6; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 30: EGFR; EPHA2; PTP4A3; set 31: EGFR; EREG; PHLDA1; set 32: EREG; KRT17; PTP4A3; set 33: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 34: DUSP6; SORBS1; AREG; and set 35: AMACR1; EREG; AREG.

Exemplary multi-gene sets including four genes: set 36: EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 37: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 38: EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 39: AREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SATB2; set 40: EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SATB2; set 41: AREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 42: EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 43: AREG; EGFR; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 44: KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; AREG; set 45: KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; EREG; set 46: CEACAM6; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; AREG; set 47: CEACAM6; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; EREG; set 48: EGFR; PHA2; PHLDA1; AREG; set 49: EGFR; PHA2; PHLDA1; EREG; set 50: EGFR; EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 51: EGFR; EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 52: EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 53: EPHA12; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; AREG; set 54: EPHAl2; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; EREG; set 55: EREG; PHLDA1; PLAUR; STAB2; set 56: KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SATB2; set 57: DUSP6; EREG; ID1; AREG; set 58: DUSP6; EPHA2; NTSE; AREG; set 59: DUSP6; EPHA2; NTSE; EREG; set 60: DUSP6; EREG; VIL2; AREG; set 61: DUSP6; EREG; VIL2; EREG; set 62: EPHA2; EREG; GPC3; AREG; set 63: EPHA2; EREG; ID1; AREG; and set 64: DUSP6; EREG; Maspin; AREG.

Additional exemplary multi-gene sets are shown in the Tables 3 and 4. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that normalized levels of any combination of two or more response indicator genes (e.g., two or more response indicator genes as listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B) can be determined. It should be noted that, for any of the above-listed exemplary multi-gene sets that include AREG or EREG, AREG or EREG can be substituted with the average of the normalized AREG value and the normalized EREG value.

Further exemplary multi-gene sets include the following sets (e.g., multi-gene sets 65-167) that include two or more genes. These exemplary multi-gene sets find particular use when KRAS mutation status of the subject is taken into account.

Exemplary multi-gene sets including two genes: set 65: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 66: KRT17; PTP4A3; set 67: EREG; PHLDA1; set 68: AREG; PHLDA1; set 69: EREG; KRT17; set 70: AREG; KRT17; set 71: KRT17; SERPINB1; set 72: CEACAM6; PTP4A3; set 73: EREG; PTP4A3; set 74: KRT17; SORBS1; set 75: PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 76: SATB2; SERPINB1; set 77: aregereg; PHLDA1; set 78: SLC26A3; AREG; set 79: SLC26A3; EREG; set 80: DUSP6; AREG; set 81: DUSP6; EREG; set 81: VIL2; AREG; set 82: VIL2; EREG; set 83: DRS; AREG; set 84: DRS; EREG; set 85: EPHA2; AREG; set 86: EPHA2; EREG; set 87: EREG; NTSE; set 88: SATB2; AREG; and set 89: SATB2; EREG.

Further exemplary multi-gene sets include the following sets that include three genes: set 90: DUSP6; EREG; SLC26A3; set 91: DUSP6; SLC26A3; EREG; set 92: DUSP6; SLC26A3; AREG; set 93: CA9; EREG; NT5E; set 94: CLTC; DUSP6; AREG; set 95: CLTC; DUSP6; EREG; set 96: DRS; SLC26A3; AREG; set 97: DRS; SCL26A3; EREG; set 98: DUSP6; VIL2; AREG; set 99: DUSP6; VIL2; EREG; set 100: EPHA2; EREG; SLC26A3; set 101: EREG; SLC26A3; VIL2; set 102: KIRT17; SLC26A3; EREG; set 103: KIRT17; SLC26A3; AREG; set 104: SLC26A3; VIL2; AREG; set 105: SLC26A3; VIL2; EREG; set 106: AREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 107: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 108: EREG; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 109: EGFR; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 110: KRT17; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 111: EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 112: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 113: ERGF; EREG; PHLDA1; set 114: EREG; PHLDA1; SATB2; set 115: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 116: CEACAM6; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 117: EGFR; EHHA1; EREG; set 118: EREG; KRT17; SLC26A3; set 119: EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 120: EREG; PHLDA1; QPRT; and set 121: PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SATB2.

Further exemplary multi-gene sets include the following sets that include four genes: set 122: EREG; KRT17; PHDLA1; SORBS1; set 123: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 124: DUSP6; EREG; KRT17; SORBS1; set 125: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 126: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 127: AREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 128: AREG; EGFR; EPHA2; PHLDA1; set 129: AREG; CEACAM6; KRT17; SORBS1; set 130: AREG; CEACAM6; KRT17; SORBS1; set 131: AREG; EGFR; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 132: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 133: AREG; KRT17; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 134: CEACAM6; EREG; PHDLA1; SORBS1; set 135: CEACAM6; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 136: CEACAM6; KRT17; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 137: EGFR; EPHA2; PHLDA2; PTP4A3; set 138: EGFR; EREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; set 139: EGFR; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 140: EREG; KRT17; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 141: EREG; LAMA3; PHLDA2; QPRT; set 142 EREG; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; QPRT; set 143: KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 144: KRT17; PTP4A3; SORBS1; VDAC2; set 145: AREG; DRS; DUSP6; SLC26A3; set 146: EREG; DRS; DUSP6; SLC26A3; set 147: AMACR1; AREG; DUSP6; SATB2; set 148: AREG, EREG, SLC26A3, DUSP6; set 149: AREG; CLTC; DUSP6; SLC26A3; set 150: EREG; CLTC; DUSP6; SLC26A3; set 151: AREG; DUSP6; KRT17; SLC26A3; set 152: EREG; DUSP6; KRT17; SLC26A3; and set 153: EGFR; EREG; SLC26A3; VIL2.

Further exemplary multi-gene sets include the following sets that include five genes: set 154: AREG; EGFR; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 155: AREG; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; set 156: AREG; CEACAM6; KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 157: EREG; CEACAM6; KRT17; PHLDA1; SORBS1; set 158: AREG; EGFR; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 159: EREG; EGFR; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; set 160: CEACAM6; KRT17; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1 set 161: EREG; KRT17; HLDA1; PLAUR; SORBS1. set 162: DUSP6; EREG; QPRT; SLC26A3; VIL2.

Exemplary multi-gene sets including six genes: set 163: AREG; EPHA2; KRT17; LAMC2; PHLDA1; PTP4A3.

Exemplary multi-gene sets including seven genes: set 164: ANXA1; BRCA1; CHN2; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; AREG; set 165: ANXA1; BRCA1; CHN2; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; EREG; set 166: CEACAM6; KRT17; LAMA3; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; AREG; and set 167: CEACAM6; KRT17; LAMA3; PHLDA1; PTP4A3; SORBS1; EREG.

The above-listed multi-gene sets (e.g., multi-gene sets 65-167) are particularly useful in combination with KRAS status, e.g., where the individual is negative for an activating KRAS mutation. The above-listed multi-gene sets are meant to be exemplary only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that normalized levels of any combination of two or more response indicator genes (e.g., two or more response indicator genes as listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B) can be determined. Exemplary multi-gene sets are shown in the Tables 8 and 9. It should be noted that, for any of the above-listed exemplary multi-gene sets that include AREG or EREG, AREG or EREG can be substituted with the average of the normalized AREG value and the normalized EREG value.

K-Ras Mutation Status

As noted above, the presence of an activating mutation in a k-ras gene (a “KRAS mutation”) indicates reduced likelihood of a clinically beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor. The presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be assayed in conjunction with assaying an expression level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, and determining a normalized expression level of a response indicator gene. Thus, the present disclosure provides methods for assessing the likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment, where the method generally involves: a) determining a normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, in a sample obtained from a tumor sample from the patient; and b) detecting the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation. The method will in some cases include a step of assigning a probability of response based on the determined normalized expression level(s) of the one or more response indicator genes. For example, a subject method can involve: a) determining a normalized expression level of one or more response indicator genes in a sample obtained from cancer cells of a patient; b) determining a KRAS mutation status in a cancer cell from the patient; and, optionally, c) assigning a probability of response based on the determined normalized expression level(s) of the one or more response indicator genes.

Detection of an activating KRAS mutation can be carried out in conjunction with determining a normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, where “in conjunction with” includes in the same or different sample, and at the same time or at a different time and/or location. For example, the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be detected in a sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell; or a sample comprising a patient\'s cancer cell); and a level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, can be detected in the same sample at substantially the same time and in the same location (e.g., in the same laboratory). Alternatively, the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be detected in a sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell; or a sample comprising a patient\'s cancer cell); and a level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, can be detected in the same sample at substantially the same time and in different locations (e.g., in different laboratories). As another example, the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be detected in a first sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell) at a first time; and a level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, can be detected in a second sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell; or a sample comprising a patient\'s cancer cell) at a second time, where the first and second samples are assayed in the same location. As another example, Alternatively, the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be detected in a first sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell) at a first time; and a level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, can be detected in a second sample (e.g., a sample comprising a polynucleotide obtained from a patient\'s cancer cell; or a sample comprising a patient\'s cancer cell) at a second time, where the first and second samples are assayed in different locations.

For example, a “KRAS-positive” cancer cell is one that comprises an activating mutation in a k-ras gene; and a “KRAS-positive” patient is one who has a KRAS-positive cancer cell. Conversely, a “KRAS-negative” cancer cell is one that does not comprise an activation mutation in a k-ras gene. For example, a “KRAS-negative” tumor is one in which no activating KRAS mutations are detectable. A “KRAS-negative” patient is one who has a KRAS-negative tumor.

Detection of a KRAS mutation in a tumor sample from the patient or in a sample obtained from a cancer cell from the patient involves detecting a KRAS mutation in a nucleic acid of a cancer cell present in the patient. It is possible, but not necessary, that all cancer cells in the patient comprise a KRAS mutation, e.g., a tumor can be heterogeneous with respect to KRAS mutation status. For example, the KRAS mutation may be present in less than 100%, less than 95%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 50%, or less than 25%, of the cancer cells present in the sample and/or in the patient. The presence of an activating KRAS mutation in any proportion of the cancer cells in the sample will indicate that the patient is not likely to respond to EGFR inhibitor treatment.

The presence of an activating KRAS mutation in a k-ras gene of a cancer cell is negatively correlated with a clinically beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment. Exemplary activating mutations are shown in Table 5. Other activating KRAS mutations are found in, e.g., WO 2006/086777 and WO 2007/001868.

As an example, activating KRAS mutations include: 1) a G→T mutation at position 216 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence (e.g., the nucleotide sequence set forth in GenBank Accession No. NM—033360.2); 2) a G→A mutation at position 216 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence; 3) a G→C mutation at position 216 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence; 4) a G→T mutation at position 215 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence; 5) a G→A mutation at position 215 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence; 6) a G→C mutation at position 215 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence; and 7) a G→A mutation at position 219 of a k-ras nucleotide sequence. An example of a KRAS-negative tumor is one that does not include any of the 7 mutations listed above, and shown in Table 5.

The presence of an activating KRAS mutation in a k-ras gene of a cancer cell correlates inversely with clinically beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment.

As noted above, detecting the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation can be carried out in combination with assessing a normalized level of a single response indicator gene product, or one or more response gene products, or one or more sets of response indicator gene products. The following are non-limiting examples of possible combinations: 1) KRAS mutation status; PHLDA1 normalized expression level detection; 2) KRAS mutation status; KRT17 normalized expression level detection; 3) KRAS mutation status; SERPINB 1 normalized expression level detection; 4) KRAS mutation status; DUSP4 normalized expression level detection; 5) KRAS mutation status; ANXA2P2 normalized expression level detection; 6) KRAS mutation status; EPHA2 normalized expression level detection; 7) KRAS mutation status; PTP4A3 normalized expression level detection; 8) KRAS mutation status; EREG normalized expression level detection; 9) KRAS mutation status; AREG normalized expression level detection; 10) KRAS mutation status; QPRT normalized expression level detection; 11) KRAS mutation status; VAV3 normalized expression level detection; 12) KRAS mutation status; STAB2 normalized expression level detection; and 13) KRAS mutation status; CKMT2 normalized expression level detection.

Additional possible combinations are shown in Tables 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B.

As noted above, detecting the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation (e.g., assessing KRAS mutation status) can be carried out in combination with assaying a normalized level of multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more) response indicator gene products. Various possible combinations are depicted in the Tables 8 and 9.

Detection of an activating KRAS mutation can be carried out using any of a variety of methods. Numerous methods are known in the art for detection of sequence variations (polymorphisms and mutations) in nucleic acid samples, and can be used for detecting an activating KRAS mutation. Such methods include methods based on de novo sequencing of nucleic acids as well as methods designed to detect sequence variants (e.g., known variants) at a targeted position in the nucleic acid sequence. Sequence variants are detected using as probes or primers oligonucleotides that hybridize differentially to each variant. Many approaches have been developed to increase the selectivity of hybridization of sequence specific probes to targeted variants; the extent of hybridization is of the sequence specific probes is often detected based on detecting and/or quantifying the amount of product formed in a subsequent polymerase chain reaction.

Determining EGFR Inhibitor Responsiveness of an EGFR-Expressing Cancer

The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether an EGFR-expressing cancer is an EGFR inhibitor-responsive or EGFR inhibitor-non-responsive cancer. The methods generally involves: a) assaying a test sample obtained from an EGFR-expressing tumor sample of the patient and determining a normalized expression level of: i) a response indicator gene, or its gene product, that correlates positively with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness, wherein the positively correlating response indicator gene is one or more of ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, Cl3orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, and ErbB3; and/or ii) a response indicator gene, or its gene product, that correlates negatively with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness, wherein the negatively correlating response indicator is one or more of DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DRS, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMA3, and GCNT3, wherein the normalized expression level of the one or more response indicator genes indicates that the EGFR-expressing cancer in a patient is likely to exhibit sensitivity or resistance to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.

The methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful when the EGFR-expressing cancer is a KRAS-negative cancer. The methods generally involve: a) assaying a test sample obtained from an EGFR-expressing tumor sample from the patient and determining a normalized expression level of: i) a response indicator gene, or its gene product, that correlates positively with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness, wherein the positively correlating response indicator gene is a product of one or more of EGF, ADAM17, PTP4A3, ADAM15, QPRT, SATB2, RASSF1, VAV3, CEACAM6, EREG, AREG, TITF1, SORBS1, C13orf18, CKMT2, BTC, ATP5E, beta-Catenin (also referred to herein as “B.Catenin”), CCNE1, EGFR, Bclx, BRCA1, CDC25B, CHN2, ID1, and SLC26A3; and/or ii) a response indicator gene, or its gene product, that correlates negatively with EGFR inhibitor responsiveness, wherein the negatively correlating response indicator gene is one or more of VDAC2, SERPINB1, PHLDA1, ANXA2P2, KRT17, EPHA2, DUSP4, CGA, CA9, Maspin, NEDD8, DUSP6, GPC3, NT5E, VIL2, and P14ARF, wherein the normalized expression level of the one or more response indicator genes indicates that the EGFR-expressing cancer in a patient is likely to exhibit sensitivity or resistance to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor.

The method can involve determining a normalized expression level of a set of response indicator genes, where exemplary sets are described above. Also as described above, the method can also include determining the presence or the absence of an activating KRAS mutation in nucleic acid obtained from a EGFR-expressing tumor sample.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, and biochemistry, which are within the skill of the art. Exemplary techniques are explained fully in the literature, such as, “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 2nd edition (Sambrook et al., 1989); “Oligonucleotide Synthesis” (M. J. Gait, ed., 1984); “Animal Cell Culture” (R. I. Freshney, ed., 1987); “Methods in Enzymology” (Academic Press, Inc.); “Handbook of Experimental Immunology”, 4th edition (D. M. Weir & C. C. Blackwell, eds., Blackwell Science Inc., 1987); “Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells” (J. M. Miller & M. P. Calos, eds., 1987); “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987); and “PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction”, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994).

Methods of gene expression profiling include methods based on hybridization analysis of polynucleotides, methods based on sequencing of polynucleotides, and proteomics- based methods. Exemplary methods known in the art for the quantification of mRNA expression in a sample include northern blotting and in situ hybridization (Parker & Barnes, Methods in Molecular Biology 106:247-283 (1999)); RNAse protection assays (Hod, Biotechniques 13:852-854 (1992)); and PCR-based methods, such as reverse transcription PCT (RT-PCR) (Weis et al., Trends in Genetics 8:263-264 (1992)). Antibodies may be employed that can recognize sequence-specific duplexes, including DNA duplexes, RNA duplexes, and DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes or DNA-protein duplexes. Representative methods for sequencing-based gene expression analysis include Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE), and gene expression analysis by massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS).

Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

Typically, mRNA is isolated from a test sample. The starting material is typically total RNA isolated from a human tumor, usually from a primary tumor. Optionally, normal tissues from the same patient can be used as an internal control. mRNA can be extracted from a tissue sample, e.g., from a sample that is fresh, frozen (e.g. fresh frozen), or paraffin-embedded and fixed (e.g. formalin-fixed).

General methods for mRNA extraction are well known in the art and are disclosed in standard textbooks of molecular biology, including Ausubel et al., Current Protocols of Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons (1997). Methods for RNA extraction from paraffin embedded tissues are disclosed, for example, in Rupp and Locker, Lab Invest. 56:A67 (1987), and De Andrés et al., BioTechniques 18:42044 (1995). In particular, RNA isolation can be performed using a purification kit, buffer set and protease from commercial manufacturers, such as Qiagen, according to the manufacturer\'s instructions. For example, total RNA from cells in culture can be isolated using Qiagen RNeasy mini-columns Other commercially available RNA isolation kits include MasterPure™ Complete DNA and RNA Purification Kit (EPICENTRE®, Madison, Wis.), and Paraffin Block RNA Isolation Kit (Ambion, Inc.). Total RNA from tissue samples can be isolated using RNA Stat-60 (Tel-Test). RNA prepared from tumor can be isolated, for example, by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation.

The sample containing the RNA is then subjected to reverse transcription to produce cDNA from the RNA template, followed by exponential amplification in a PCR reaction. The two most commonly used reverse transcriptase enzymes are avilo myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase (AMV-RT) and Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV-RT). The reverse transcription step is typically primed using specific primers, random hexamers, or oligo-dT primers, depending on the circumstances and the goal of expression profiling. For example, extracted RNA can be reverse-transcribed using a GeneAmp RNA PCR kit (Perkin Elmer, Calif., USA), following the manufacturer\'s instructions. The derived cDNA can then be used as a template in the subsequent PCR reaction.

PCR-based methods use a thermostable DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, such as a Taq DNA polymerase. For example, TaqMan® PCR typically utilizes the 5′-nuclease activity of Taq or Tth polymerase to hydrolyze a hybridization probe bound to its target amplicon, but any enzyme with equivalent 5′ nuclease activity can be used. Two oligonucleotide primers are used to generate an amplicon typical of a PCR reaction product. A third oligonucleotide, or probe, can be designed to facilitate detection of a nucleotide sequence of the amplicon located between the hybridization sites the two PCR primers. The probe can be detectably labeled, e.g., with a reporter dye, and can further be provided with both a fluorescent dye, and a quencher fluorescent dye, as in a Taqman® probe configuration. Where a Taqman® probe is used, during the amplification reaction, the Taq DNA polymerase enzyme cleaves the probe in a template-dependent manner. The resultant probe fragments disassociate in solution, and signal from the released reporter dye is free from the quenching effect of the second fluorophore. One molecule of reporter dye is liberated for each new molecule synthesized, and detection of the unquenched reporter dye provides the basis for quantitative interpretation of the data.

TaqMan® RT-PCR can be performed using commercially available equipment, such as, for example, ABI PRISM 7700™ Sequence Detection System™ (Perkin-Elmer-Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., USA), or Lightcycler (Roche Molecular Biochemicals, Mannheim, Germany). In a preferred embodiment, the 5′ nuclease procedure is run on a real-time quantitative PCR device such as the ABI PRISM 7700™ Sequence Detection System™. The system consists of a thermocycler, laser, charge-coupled device (CCD), camera and computer. The system amplifies samples in a 96-well format on a thermocycler. During amplification, laser-induced fluorescent signal is collected in real-time through fiber optics cables for all 96 wells, and detected at the CCD. The system includes software for running the instrument and for analyzing the data.

5′-Nuclease assay data are initially expressed as a threshold cycle (“Ct”). Fluorescence values are recorded during every cycle and represent the amount of product amplified to that point in the amplification reaction. The threshold cycle (Ct) is generally described as the point when the fluorescent signal is first recorded as statistically significant.

To minimize errors and the effect of sample-to-sample variation, RT-PCR is usually performed using an internal standard. The ideal internal standard gene (also referred to as a reference gene) is expressed at a constant level among cancerous and non-cancerous tissue of the same origin (i.e., a level that is not significantly different among normal and cancerous tissues), and is not significantly unaffected by the experimental treatment (i.e., does not exhibit a significant difference in expression level in the relevant tissue as a result of exposure to chemotherapy). For example, reference genes useful in the methods disclosed herein should not exhibit significantly different expression levels in cancerous colon as compared to normal colon tissue. RNAs most frequently used to normalize patterns of gene expression are mRNAs for the housekeeping genes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β-actin. Exemplary reference genes used for normalization comprise one or more of the following genes: ATPSE, GPX1, PGK1, UBB, and VDAC2. Gene expression measurements can be normalized relative to the mean of one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) reference genes. Reference-normalized expression measurements can range from 0 to 15, where a one unit increase generally reflects a 2-fold increase in RNA quantity.

Real time PCR is compatible both with quantitative competitive PCR, where internal competitor for each target sequence is used for normalization, and with quantitative comparative PCR using a normalization gene contained within the sample, or a housekeeping gene for RT-PCR. For further details see, e.g. Held et al., Genome Res. 6:986-994 (1996).

The steps of a representative protocol for use in the methods of the present disclosure use fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues as the RNA source. mRNA isolation, purification, primer extension and amplification can be preformed according to methods available in the art. (see, e.g., Godfrey et al. J. Molec. Diagnostics 2: 84-91 (2000); Specht et al., Am. J. Pathol. 158: 419-29 (2001)). Briefly, a representative process starts with cutting about 10 μm thick sections of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples. The RNA is then extracted, and protein and DNA depleted from the RNA-containing sample. After analysis of the RNA concentration, RNA is reverse transcribed using gene specific primers followed by RT-PCR to provide for cDNA amplification products.

Design of Intron-Based PCR Primers and Probes

PCR primers and probes can be designed based upon exon or intron sequences present in the mRNA transcript of the gene of interest. Primer/probe design can be performed using publicly available software, such as the DNA BLAT software developed by Kent, W. J., Genome Res. 12(4):656-64 (2002), or by the BLAST software including its variations.

Where necessary or desired, repetitive sequences of the target sequence can be masked to mitigate non-specific signals . Exemplary tools to accomplish this include the Repeat Masker program available on-line through the Baylor College of Medicine, which screens DNA sequences against a library of repetitive elements and returns a query sequence in which the repetitive elements are masked. The masked intron sequences can then be used to design primer and probe sequences using any commercially or otherwise publicly available primer/probe design packages, such as Primer Express (Applied Biosystems); MGB assay-by-design (Applied Biosystems); Primer3 (Steve Rozen and Helen J. Skaletsky (2000) Primer3 on the WWW for general users and for biologist programmers. In: Rrawetz S, Misener S (eds.) Bioinformatics Methods and Protocols: Methods in Molecular Biology. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J., pp 365-386).

Other factors that can influence PCR primer design include primer length, melting temperature (Tm), and G/C content, specificity, complementary primer sequences, and 3′-end sequence. In general, optimal PCR primers are generally 17-30 bases in length, and contain about 20-80%, such as, for example, about 50-60% G+C bases, and exhibit Tm\'s between 50 and 80° C., e.g. about 50 to 70° C.

For further guidelines for PCR primer and probe design see, e.g. Dieffenbach, C W. et al, “General Concepts for PCR Primer Design” in: PCR Primer, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York, 1995, pp. 133-155; Innis and Gelfand, “Optimization of PCRs” in: PCR Protocols, A Guide to Methods and Applications, CRC Press, London, 1994, pp. 5-11; and Plasterer, T. N. Primerselect: Primer and probe design. Methods Mol. Biol. 70:520-527 (1997), the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

Tables A and B provide further information concerning the primer, probe, and amplicon sequences associated with the Examples disclosed herein.

MassARRAY® System

In MassARRAY-based methods, such as the exemplary method developed by Sequenom, Inc. (San Diego, Calif.) following the isolation of RNA and reverse transcription, the obtained cDNA is spiked with a synthetic DNA molecule (competitor), which matches the targeted cDNA region in all positions, except a single base, and serves as an internal standard. The cDNA/competitor mixture is PCR amplified and is subjected to a post-PCR shrimp alkaline phosphatase (SAP) enzyme treatment, which results in the dephosphorylation of the remaining nucleotides. After inactivation of the alkaline phosphatase, the PCR products from the competitor and cDNA are subjected to primer extension, which generates distinct mass signals for the competitor- and cDNA-derived PCR products. After purification, these products are dispensed on a chip array, which is pre-loaded with components needed for analysis with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. The cDNA present in the reaction is then quantified by analyzing the ratios of the peak areas in the mass spectrum generated. For further details see, e.g. Ding and Cantor, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100:3059-3064 (2003).

Other PCR-based Methods

Further PCR-based techniques that can find use in the methods disclosed herein include, for example, BeadArray® technology (Illumina, San Diego, Calif.; Oliphant et al., Discovery of Markers for Disease (Supplement to Biotechniques), June 2002; Ferguson et al., Analytical Chemistry 72:5618 (2000)); BeadsArray for Detection of Gene Expression® (BADGE), using the commercially available Luminex 100 LabMAP® system and multiple color-coded microspheres (Luminex Corp., Austin, Tex.) in a rapid assay for gene expression (Yang et al., Genome Res. 11:1888-1898 (2001)); and high coverage expression profiling (HiCEP) analysis (Fukumura et al., Nucl. Acids. Res. 31(16) e94 (2003).

Microarrays

Expression levels of a gene of interest can also be assessed using the microarray technique. In this method, polynucleotide sequences of interest (including cDNAs and oligonucleotides) are arrayed on a substrate. The arrayed sequences are then contacted under conditions suitable for specific hybridization with detectably labeled cDNA generated from mRNA of a test sample. As in the RT-PCR method, the source of mRNA typically is total RNA isolated from a tumor sample, and optionally from normal tissue of the same patient as an internal control or cell lines. mRNA can be extracted, for example, from frozen or archived paraffin-embedded and fixed (e.g. formalin-fixed) tissue samples.

For example, PCR amplified inserts of cDNA clones of a gene to be assayed are applied to a substrate in a dense array. Usually at least 10,000 nucleotide sequences are applied to the substrate. For example, the microarrayed genes, immobilized on the microchip at 10,000 elements each, are suitable for hybridization under stringent conditions. Fluorescently labeled cDNA probes may be generated through incorporation of fluorescent nucleotides by reverse transcription of RNA extracted from tissues of interest. Labeled cDNA probes applied to the chip hybridize with specificity to each spot of DNA on the array. After washing under stringent conditions to remove non-specifically bound probes, the chip is scanned by confocal laser microscopy or by another detection method, such as a CCD camera. Quantitation of hybridization of each arrayed element allows for assessment of corresponding mRNA abundance.

With dual color fluorescence, separately labeled cDNA probes generated from two sources of RNA are hybridized pair wise to the array. The relative abundance of the transcripts from the two sources corresponding to each specified gene is thus determined simultaneously. The miniaturized scale of the hybridization affords a convenient and rapid evaluation of the expression pattern for large numbers of genes. Such methods have been shown to have the sensitivity required to detect rare transcripts, which are expressed at a few copies per cell, and to reproducibly detect at least approximately two-fold differences in the expression levels (Schena et at, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(2):106-149 (1996)). Microarray analysis can be performed by commercially available equipment, following manufacturer\'s protocols, such as by using the Affymetrix GenChip® technology.

Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE)

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is a method that allows the simultaneous and quantitative analysis of a large number of gene transcripts, without the need of providing an individual hybridization probe for each transcript. First, a short sequence tag (about 10-14 bp) is generated that contains sufficient information to uniquely identify a transcript, provided that the tag is obtained from a unique position within each transcript. Then, many transcripts are linked together to form long serial molecules, that can be sequenced, revealing the identity of the multiple tags simultaneously. The expression pattern of any population of transcripts can be quantitatively evaluated by determining the abundance of individual tags, and identifying the gene corresponding to each tag. For more details see, e.g. Velculescu et al., Science 270:484-487 (1995); and Velculescu et al., Cell 88:243-51 (1997).

Gene Expression Analysis by Nucleic Acid Sequencing

Nucleic acid sequencing technologies are suitable methods for analysis of gene expression. The principle underlying these methods is that the number of times a cDNA sequence is detected in a sample is directly related to the relative expression of the mRNA corresponding to that sequence. These methods are sometimes referred to by the term Digital Gene Expression (DGE) to reflect the discrete numeric property of the resulting data. Early methods applying this principle were Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) and Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS). See, e.g., S. Brenner, et al., Nature Biotechnology 18(6):630-634 (2000). More recently, the advent of “next-generation” sequencing technologies has made DGE simpler, higher throughput, and more affordable. As a result, more laboratories are able to utilize DGE to screen the expression of more genes in more individual patient samples than previously possible. See, e.g., J. Marioni, Genome Research 18(9):1509-1517 (2008); R. Morin, Genome Research 18(4):610-621 (2008); A. Mortazavi, Nature Methods 5(7):621-628 (2008); N. Cloonan, Nature Methods 5(7):613-619 (2008).

Isolating RNA from Body Fluids

Methods of isolating RNA for expression analysis from blood, plasma and serum (See for example, Tsui NB et al. (2002) 48,1647-53 and references cited therein) and from urine (See for example, Boom R et al. (1990) J Clin Microbiol. 28, 495-503 and reference cited therein) have been described.

Immunochemical Methods

Immunochemical (also referred to herein as “immunological”) methods are also suitable for detecting the expression levels of genes and applied to the method disclosed herein. Antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) that specifically bind a gene product of a gene of interest can be used in such methods. The antibodies can be detected by direct labeling of the antibodies themselves, for example, with radioactive labels, fluorescent labels, haptene labels such as, biotin, or an enzyme such as horse radish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase. Alternatively, unlabeled primary antibody can be used in conjunction with a labeled secondary antibody specific for the primary antibody Immunochemical protocols and kits are well known in the art and are commercially available. Exemplary suitable immunochemical methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, radioimmunoassays, protein blot methods (also referred to as “Western” blot methods), and enzyme immunoassays.

Proteomics

The term “proteome” is defined as the totality of the proteins present in a sample (e.g. tissue, organism, or cell culture) at a certain point of time. Proteomics includes, among other things, study of the global changes of protein expression in a sample (also referred to as “expression proteomics”). Proteomics typically includes the following steps: (1) separation of individual proteins in a sample by 2-D gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE); (2) identification of the individual proteins recovered from the gel, e.g. my mass spectrometry or N- terminal sequencing, and (3) analysis of the data using bioinformatics.

General Description of the mRNA Isolation, Purification and Amplification

The steps of a representative protocol for profiling gene expression using fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues as the RNA source, including mRNA isolation, purification, primer extension and amplification are provided in various published journal articles. (See, e.g., T. E. Godfrey et al,. J. Molec. Diagnostics 2: 84-91 (2000); K. Specht et al., Am. J. Pathol. 158: 419-29 (2001), M. Cronin, et al., Am J Pathol 164:35-42 (2004)). Briefly, a representative process starts with cutting a tissue sample section (e.g. about 10 μm thick sections of a paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sample). The RNA is then extracted, and protein and DNA are removed. After analysis of the RNA concentration, RNA repair is performed if desired. The sample can then be subjected to analysis, e.g., by reverse transcribed using gene specific promoters followed by RT-PCR.

Determining a Normalized Level of a Gene Product

As discussed above, the expression level of a response indicator gene is normalized, thereby providing a normalized value. The expression level of a response indicator gene may be normalized relative to the level of an expression product of a reference gene(s).

For example, the expression level of a response indicator gene can be normalized relative to the mean level of gene products of one or more reference genes. As an example, the expression level of a response indicator gene can be normalized relative to the mean level of gene products of all assayed genes, or a subset of the assayed genes, where a subset of the assayed genes can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more assayed genes.

The expression level of a response indicator gene can be normalized relative to the mean level of the gene products of all of the genes, or a subset of the gene, listed in one or more of Table 1A, Table 1B, Table 2A, Table 2B, Table 6A, Table 6B, Table 7A, and Table 7B. As one non-limiting example, the expression level of a response indicator gene can be normalized to the mean expression level of the following reference genes: ATPSE, PGK1, UBB, VDAC2, and GPX1. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other combinations of genes can be used as reference genes for the purposes of determining a normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product.

Additional suitable reference genes include, but are not limited to, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—002046; phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—000291); lactate dehydrogenase A (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—005566); ribosomal protein L32 (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—000994); ribosomal protein S18 (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—022551); tubulin, beta polypeptide (TUBB) (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—001069); and beta actin (see, e.g., GenBank Accession No. NM—001101). See, e.g., Eisenberg and Levanon (2003) Trends in Genetics 19:362, for a list of additional suitable reference genes.

The level of an RNA transcript as measured by TaqMan® RT-PCR refers to the cycle threshold (CO value. The lower the Ct, the greater the amount of mRNA present in the sample(Relative Quantitation Using Comparative Ct; Getting Started Guide, Applied Biosystems, Inc., Part Number 4364016 Rev. C, 11/2007). The expression value of a RNA transcript in a sample is normalized, e.g., by first determining the mean expression value in Ct of designated reference genes in a sample (CtRef). The normalized expression value for a gene (CtGene) is then calculated as CtGene -CtRef. Optionally, the normalized expression values for all genes can be adjusted, e.g., so that all adjusted normalized Ct have a value>0.

Determining a Probability of Beneficial Response

A normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, determined for an individual patient can be compared to normalized expression level values for said response indicator gene determined in a population of patients for which the clinical outcome is already known in order to determine an individual patient\'s probability of beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor therapy. Normalized expression level values (e.g., expressed as Ct) correlated with a probability can be used. For example, a normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product, can be compared graphically as shown in FIGS. 3A-10D, to determine the probability of beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor therapy.

The analyses and determinations described herein in connection with a subject method for assessing likelihood of response can be made without the need for assessing any change in the level of a response indicator gene over time.

As discussed above, the likelihood that a patient will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor is assessed by determining a normalized expression level of a response indicator gene or set response indicator genes. The patient\'s likelihood of response to EGFR inhibitor treatment is provided in a report. The report may further include information regarding the patient\'s likelihood of response. For example, a subject method can further include a step of generating or outputting a report providing the results of a subject response likelihood assessment, which report can be provided in the form of an electronic medium (e.g., an electronic display on a computer monitor), or in the form of a tangible medium (e.g., a report printed on paper or other tangible medium).

An assessment as to the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will respond to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor is referred to below as a “response likelihood assessment” or, simply, “likelihood assessment.” A person or entity who prepares a report (“report generator”) will also perform the likelihood assessment. The report generator may also perform one or more of sample gathering, sample processing, and data generation, e.g., the report generator may also perform one or more of: a) sample gathering; b) sample processing; c) measuring a level of an indicator response gene product(s); d) measuring a level of a reference gene product(s); e) detecting the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation; and f) determining a normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product,(s). Alternatively, an entity other than the report generator can perform one or more sample gathering, sample processing, and data generation.

The person or entity to whom a report is transmitted may be the same person or entity who does one or more of the following: a) collects a sample; b) processes a sample; c) provides a sample or a processed sample; and d) generates data (e.g., level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product,(s); level of a reference gene product(s); normalized level of a response indicator gene, or its gene product,(s)) for use in the likelihood assessment. In some cases, the person(s) or entity(ies) who provides sample collection and/or sample processing and/or data generation, and the person who receives the results and/or report may be different persons, but are both referred to as “users” or “clients” herein to avoid confusion.

In embodiments where the user only executes a portion of the method, the individual who, after computerized data processing according to the methods of the invention, reviews data output (e.g., results prior to release to provide a complete report, a complete, or reviews an “incomplete” report and provides for manual intervention and completion of an interpretive report) is referred to herein as a “reviewer.” The reviewer may be located at a location remote to the user (e.g., at a service provided separate from a healthcare facility where a user may be located).

Report

A “report,” as described herein, is an electronic or tangible document which includes report elements that provide information of interest relating to a subject likelihood assessment and its results. A subject report includes at least a likelihood assessment, e.g., an indication as to the likelihood that a patient having an EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial clinical response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment regimen. A subject report can be completely or partially electronically generated. A subject report can further include one or more of: 1) information regarding the testing facility; 2) service provider information; 3) patient data; 4) sample data; 5) an interpretive report, which can include various information including: a) indication; b) test data, where test data can include: i) normalized level of one or more response indicator gene products; and/or ii) presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation recommendations; and 6) other features.

Where government regulations or other restrictions apply (e.g., requirements by health, malpractice, or liability insurance), all results, whether generated wholly or partially electronically, are subjected to a quality control routine prior to release to the user.

Testing Facility Information

The report can include information about the testing facility, which information is relevant to the hospital, clinic, or laboratory in which sample gathering and/or data generation was conducted. Sample gathering can include obtaining a cancer cell sample from a biopsy, a surgically removed tumor, surgically removed tissue comprising a tumor, or other tissue or bodily fluid from a patient. Data generation can include one or more of: a) measuring a level of a gene product(s) (e.g., an indicator response gene product(s), a reference gene product(s)); b) detecting the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation; and c) determination of a normalized level of an indicator response gene product. This information can include one or more details relating to, for example, the name and location of the testing facility, the identity of the lab technician who conducted the assay and/or who entered the input data, the date and time the assay was conducted and/or analyzed, the location where the sample and/or result data is stored, the lot number of the reagents (e.g., kit, etc.) used in the assay, and the like. Report fields with this information can generally be populated using information provided by the user.

Service Provider Information

The report can include information about the service provider, which may be located outside the healthcare facility at which the user is located, or within the healthcare facility. Examples of such information can include the name and location of the service provider, the name of the reviewer, and where necessary or desired the name of the individual who conducted sample gathering and/or data generation. Report fields with this information can generally be populated using data entered by the user, which can be selected from among pre-scripted selections (e.g., using a drop-down menu). Other service provider information in the report can include contact information for technical information about the result and/or about the interpretive report.

Patient Data

The patient data can include patient medical history (which can include, e.g., data about prior treatment for cancer), personal history; administrative patient data (that is, data that are not essential to the likelihood assessment), such as information to identify the patient (e.g., name, patient date of birth (DOB), gender, mailing and/or residence address, medical record number (MRN), room and/or bed number in a healthcare facility), insurance information, and the like), the name of the patient\'s physician or other health professional who ordered the response likelihood assessment and, if different from the ordering physician, the name of a staff physician who is responsible for the patient\'s care (e.g., primary care physician). Report fields with this information can generally be populated using data entered by the user.

Sample Data

The sample data can provide information about the biological sample analyzed in the likelihood assessment, such as the source of biological sample obtained from the patient (e.g., tumor biopsy, surgically removed tumor, unknown, etc.) and the date and time collected. Report fields with this information can generally be populated using data entered by the user, some of which may be provided as pre-scripted selections (e.g., using a drop-down menu).

Interpretive Report

The interpretive report portion of the report includes information generated after processing of the data as described herein. The interpretive report can include an indication of the likelihood that the patient will respond to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. The interpretive report can include, for example, Indication (e.g., type of EGFR-expressing cancer, etc.); Result of screen for KRAS mutation (e.g., “Negative for mutations tested”); Result of normalized level of response indicator gene(s) (e.g., “normalized level of response indicator gene(s)”); Interpretation; and, optionally, Recommendation(s).

The Interpretation portion of the report can include a Recommendation(s). Where the results indicate a likelihood of beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment, the recommendation can include a recommendation that an EGFR inhibitor regimen is indicated. Where the results indicate that a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor treatment is not likely, the recommendation can include a recommendation for an alternative treatment regimen.

It will be readily appreciated that the report can include all or some of the elements above, with the proviso that the report generally includes at least the elements sufficient to provide the analysis requested by the user (e.g., likelihood assessment).

Additional Features

It will also be readily appreciated that the reports can include additional elements or modified elements. For example, where electronic, the report can contain hyperlinks which point to internal or external databases which provide more detailed information about selected elements of the report. For example, the patient data element of the report can include a hyperlink to an electronic patient record, or a site for accessing such a patient record, which patient record is maintained in a confidential database. This latter embodiment may be of interest in an in-hospital system or in-clinic setting.

Computer-Based Systems and Methods

The methods and systems described herein can be implemented in numerous ways. In one embodiment of particular interest, the methods involve use of a communications infrastructure, for example the internet. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. It is also to be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, processors, or a combination thereof. The methods and systems described herein can be implemented as a combination of hardware and software. The software can be implemented as an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage device, or different portions of the software implemented in the user\'s computing environment (e.g., as an applet) and on the reviewer\'s computing environment, where the reviewer may be located at a remote site associated (e.g., at a service provider\'s facility).

For example, during or after data input by the user, portions of the data processing can be performed in the user-side computing environment. For example, the user-side computing environment can be programmed to provide for defined test codes to denote a likelihood “score,” where the score is transmitted as processed or partially processed responses to the reviewer\'s computing environment in the form of test code for subsequent execution of one or more algorithms to provide a results and/or generate a report in the reviewer\'s computing environment. The score can be a numerical score (representative of a numerical value) or a non-numerical score representative of a numerical value or range of numerical values (e.g., “A” representative of a 90-95% likelihood of an outcome).

The application program for executing the algorithms described herein may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. In general, the machine involves a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform also includes an operating system and microinstruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may either be part of the microinstruction code or part of the application program (or a combination thereof) which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device.

As a computer system, the system generally includes a processor unit. The processor unit operates to receive information, which can include test data (e.g., level of a response gene, level of a reference gene product(s); normalized level of a response gene; and may also include other data such as patient data. This information received can be stored at least temporarily in a database, and data analyzed to generate a report as described above.

Part or all of the input and output data can also be sent electronically; certain output data (e.g., reports) can be sent electronically or telephonically (e.g., by facsimile, e.g., using devices such as fax back). Exemplary output receiving devices can include a display element, a printer, a facsimile device and the like. Electronic forms of transmission and/or display can include email, interactive television, and the like. In an embodiment of particular interest, all or a portion of the input data and/or all or a portion of the output data (e.g., usually at least the final report) are maintained on a web server for access, preferably confidential access, with typical browsers. The data may be accessed or sent to health professionals as desired. The input and output data, including all or a portion of the final report, can be used to populate a patient\'s medical record which may exist in a confidential database at the healthcare facility.

A system for use in the methods described herein generally includes at least one computer processor (e.g., where the method is carried out in its entirety at a single site) or at least two networked computer processors (e.g., where data is to be input by a user (also referred to herein as a “client”) and transmitted to a remote site to a second computer processor for analysis, where the first and second computer processors are connected by a network, e.g., via an intranet or internet). The system can also include a user component(s) for input; and a reviewer component(s) for review of data, generated reports, and manual intervention. Additional components of the system can include a server component(s); and a database(s) for storing data (e.g., as in a database of report elements, e.g., interpretive report elements, or a relational database (RDB) which can include data input by the user and data output. The computer processors can be processors that are typically found in personal desktop computers (e.g., IBM, Dell, Macintosh), portable computers, mainframes, minicomputers, or other computing devices.

The networked client/server architecture can be selected as desired, and can be, for example, a classic two or three tier client server model. A relational database management system (RDMS), either as part of an application server component or as a separate component (RDB machine) provides the interface to the database.

In one example, the architecture is provided as a database-centric client/server architecture, in which the client application generally requests services from the application server which makes requests to the database (or the database server) to populate the report with the various report elements as required, particularly the interpretive report elements, especially the interpretation text and alerts. The server(s) (e.g., either as part of the application server machine or a separate RDB/relational database machine) responds to the client\'s requests.

The input client components can be complete, stand-alone personal computers offering a full range of power and features to run applications. The client component usually operates under any desired operating system and includes a communication element (e.g., a modem or other hardware for connecting to a network), one or more input devices (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, keypad, or other device used to transfer information or commands), a storage element (e.g., a hard drive or other computer-readable, computer-writable storage medium), and a display element (e.g., a monitor, television, LCD, LED, or other display device that conveys information to the user). The user enters input commands into the computer processor through an input device. Generally, the user interface is a graphical user interface (GUI) written for web browser applications.

The server component(s) can be a personal computer, a minicomputer, or a mainframe and offers data management, information sharing between clients, network administration and security. The application and any databases used can be on the same or different servers.

Other computing arrangements for the client and server(s), including processing on a single machine such as a mainframe, a collection of machines, or other suitable configuration are contemplated. In general, the client and server machines work together to accomplish the processing of the present invention.

Where used, the database(s) is usually connected to the database server component and can be any device which will hold data. For example, the database can be a any magnetic or optical storing device for a computer (e.g., CDROM, internal hard drive, tape drive). The database can be located remote to the server component (with access via a network, modem, etc.) or locally to the server component.

Where used in the system and methods, the database can be a relational database that is organized and accessed according to relationships between data items. The relational database is generally composed of a plurality of tables (entities). The rows of a table represent records (collections of information about separate items) and the columns represent fields (particular attributes of a record). In its simplest conception, the relational database is a collection of data entries that “relate” to each other through at least one common field.

Additional workstations equipped with computers and printers may be used at point of service to enter data and, in some embodiments, generate appropriate reports, if desired. The computer(s) can have a shortcut (e.g., on the desktop) to launch the application to facilitate initiation of data entry, transmission, analysis, report receipt, etc. as desired.

Computer-Readable Storage Media

The present disclosure also contemplates a computer-readable storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM, memory key, flash memory card, diskette, etc.) having stored thereon a program which, when executed in a computing environment, provides for implementation of algorithms to carry out all or a portion of the results of a response likelihood assessment as described herein. Where the computer-readable medium contains a complete program for carrying out the methods described herein, the program includes program instructions for collecting, analyzing and generating output, and generally includes computer readable code devices for interacting with a user as described herein, processing that data in conjunction with analytical information, and generating unique printed or electronic media for that user.

Where the storage medium provides a program which provides for implementation of a portion of the methods described herein (e.g., the user-side aspect of the methods (e.g., data input, report receipt capabilities, etc.)), the program provides for transmission of data input by the user (e.g., via the internet, via an intranet, etc.) to a computing environment at a remote site. Processing or completion of processing of the data is carried out at the remote site to generate a report. After review of the report, and completion of any needed manual intervention, to provide a complete report, the complete report is then transmitted back to the user as an electronic document or printed document (e.g., fax or mailed paper report). The storage medium containing a program according to the invention can be packaged with instructions (e.g., for program installation, use, etc.) recorded on a suitable substrate or a web address where such instructions may be obtained. The computer-readable storage medium can also be provided in combination with one or more reagents for carrying out response likelihood assessment (e.g., primers, probes, arrays, or other such kit components).

Multivariate Model Building

The normalized expression levels of response indicator genes can be used in conducting a multivariate analysis so as to construct a multi-gene model useful in assessing a patient\'s likelihood of EGFR inhibitor treatment response. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method for conducting a multivariate analysis and/or constructing a multi-gene model.

The method generally involves: a) assembling values of normalized expression levels of two or more response indicator gene products; b) determining whether a mathematical combination of the normalized expression levels of any combination of the response indicator genes is more indicative of a likelihood that a patient will respond to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor than the normalized expression level of any one of the response indicator genes individually; and c) using the mathematical combination to assess the likelihood that a patient will respond to treatment with a EGFR inhibitor (Ambroise C and McLachlan G J (2002) Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 99, 6562-6566).

The present disclosure provides treatment methods, which treatment methods generally involve treating an individual having an EGFR-expressing cancer with a treatment regimen that is selected based on the results of a response likelihood assessment as described herein.

The present disclosure also provides a method for classifying a patient as a “responder” or a “non-responder” based on the results of a subject likelihood assessment. For example, the method involves assaying a test sample obtained from an EGFR-expressing cancer cell from a patient; and determining a normalized level of a gene product of a response indicator gene, as described above. The normalized level of the gene product(s) indicate whether the patient is likely to exhibit a clinically beneficial response to treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, thereby allowing classification of the patient as a “responder” or a “non-responder.”

The present disclosure provides arrays for use in carrying out a subject method to predict the likelihood of patient beneficial response to EGFR inhibitor treatment.

Arrays (Gene Panels)

The present disclosure provides an array for use in a subject method. A subject array includes a plurality of polynucleotides immobilized on the surface of an insoluble support. The immobilized polynucleotides comprise nucleotide sequences that are capable of hybridizing with a response indicator gene or a reference gene. As used herein, the term “hybridizing” refers to the complementary base-pairing interaction of one nucleic acid with another nucleic acid that results in formation of a duplex, triplex, or other higher-ordered structure. Typically, the primary interaction is base specific, e.g., A/T and G/C, by Watson/Crick hydrogen bonding. Base stacking and hydrophobic interactions can also contribute to duplex stability. Conditions for hybridizing detector probes and primers to complementary and substantially complementary target sequences are known in the art (see e.g., Nucleic Acid Hybridization, A Practical Approach, B. Hames and S. Higgins, eds., IRL Press, Washington, D.C. (1985) and Wetmur J and Davidson N (1968) Mol Biol 31, 349-37.

For example, an immobilized polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to a response indicator gene selected from a gene listed in one of Table 1A, Table 1B, Table 2A, Table 2B, Table 6A, Table 6B, Table 7A, and Table 7B, above. Nucleotide sequences of the aforementioned response indicator genes are known in the art. As such, generation of probes that hybridize under suitable hybridization conditions (e.g., stringent hybridization conditions) is well within the skill level of those of ordinary skill in the art.

As an example, a subject array can comprise a probe that provides for detection of one or more gene product(s) encoded by a response indicator gene selected from: ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, C13orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, and ErbB3. As another example, a subject array can comprise a probe that provides for detection of one or more gene product(s) encoded by a response indicator gene selected from: DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DR5, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMA3, and GCNT3. As yet another example, a subject array can comprise a probe that provides for detection of one or more gene product(s) encoded by a response indicator gene selected from ATP5E, TITF1, CLTC, BRCA1, AREG, PTP4A3, EREG, VAV3, SATB2, CEACAM6, EGFR, CHN2, FGFR3, C13orf18, QPRT, AMACR1, CKMT2, ID1, SORBS1, SLC26A3, ErbB3, DUSP6, VDAC2, ANXA2P2, SERPINB1, NT5E, GPC3, DUSP4, PHLDA1, K-ras, DR5, VIL2, LAMC2, SFN, ANXA1, EPHA2, P14ARF, CA9, KRT17, p14ARF, Maspin, PLAUR, LAMA3, and GCNT3.

As yet another example, a subject array can comprise a probe that provides for detection of one or more gene product(s) encoded by a response indicator gene selected from EGF, ADAM17, PTP4A3, ADAM15, QPRT, SATB2, RASSF1, VAV3, CEACAM6, EREG, AREG, TITF1, SORBS1, C13orf18, CKMT2, BTC, ATP5E, B.Catenin, CCNE1, EGFR, Bclx, BRCA1, CDC25B, CHN2, ID1, SLC26A3, VDAC2, SERPINB1, PHLDA1, ANXA2P2, KRT17, EPHA2, DUSP4, CGA, CA9, Maspin, NEDD8, DUSP6, GPC3, NT5E, VIL2, and P14ARF. Such an array is particularly useful for predicting the likelihood that a patient having an KRAS-negative, EGFR-expressing cancer will exhibit a beneficial response to an EGFR inhibitor therapy.

As yet another example, a subject array can comprise probes that provides for detection of the gene products of genes included in the above-listed multi-gene sets, or any combination of multi-gene sets (e.g., multi-gene sets 1-64 and 65-167, above).

As noted above, in some cases, the presence or absence of an activating KRAS mutation will be detected. In these cases, one or more probes that provide for detection of known activating KRAS mutations are included in the array.

The response indicator genes are represented in the array by probes immobilized on an insoluble support. The response indicator genes (as represented by immobilized probes) represent at least about 25% of the genes represented on the array. For examples, the response indicator gene represent at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of the gene represented on the array.

A probe that hybridizes to a response indicator gene is referred to herein as a “response indicator gene probe.” Response indicator gene probes are single stranded nucleic acids, having a length of from about 10 nucleotides (nt) to about 100 nt, e.g., from about 15 nt to about 50 nt, from about 15 nt to about 20 nt, from about 20 nt to about 25 nt, or from about 25 nt to about 30 nt. In this context, the term “about” may be construed to mean 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 more nucleotides either 5′ or 3′ from either termini or from both termini.

A subject array comprises one or more response indicator gene probes immobilized on a surface of a solid (insoluble) support. A subject array can include two or more (“a plurality”) of response indicator gene probes immobilized on a surface of a solid support. For example, a subject array can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-10, 10-12, 12-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, 45-50, or more than 50, distinct response indicator gene probes immobilized on a surface of a solid support.