Methods for detecting and treating cancer
The invention generally features compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of neoplasia in a subject, as well as methods of treatment selection.
1. A method for diagnosing and treating a cervical neoplasia in a patent which method comprises:
a) detecting the amount of CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof from a cervical sample obtained from a patient;
b) comparing the amount of CXCL12, FoxP3 or a combination thereof from said patient to a reference level;
wherein an increase in said amount relative to the reference level identifies a cervical neoplasia and the absence of an increase relative to the reference level identifies the absence of a cervical neoplasia; and
c) providing an appropriate treatment regimen to said patient if the amount of CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof is increased;
wherein if the increase is less than 3-fold then a less aggressive treatment regimen is appropriate; and if the increase is more than 3-fold then a more aggressive treatment regimen is appropriate;
wherein the less aggressive treatment regimen is selected from the group consisting of cancer surveillance, loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP), trachelectomy, and hormonal therapy; and
wherein the mare aggressive treatment regimen is selected from the group consisting of hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the increased level of CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof indicates an, increased clinical aggressiveness of the cervical neoplasia.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein levels of FoxP3 are detected by detecting FoxP3-expressing T cells.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further involves detecting CD3-expressing T cells.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference is the level of CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof present in a control sample.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reference is derived from a healthy control subject.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the increase in the level of CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof identifies a propensity for the cervical neoplasia to develop into an invasive cervical carcinoma.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof is increased by less than about 2-fold relative to the reference.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein CXCL12, FoxP3, or a combination thereof is increased by at least about 5-fold relative to the reference.