| abstract |
The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying colon cancers in an individual. In one embodiment of the invention, a colon adenocarcinoma-associated protein may be detected in a tissue or body fluid sample of an individual, to provide an indication of the presence of an adenocarcinoma of the colon in the individual. The target adenocarcinoma-associated protein, may be detected, e.g., by reacting the sample with a labeled binding moiety, such as a labeled antibody, capable of specifically binding the protein. In another embodiment, the protein may be detected by isolating one or more colon adenocarcinoma-associated proteins from the sample, separating the proteins by two dimensional gel electrophoresis, and comparing the gel electrophoresis pattern with a standard. The invention provides a wide range of assay methods and compositions which may be used for detecting colon tumors in an individual rapidly and reproducibly, optimally at early stages of the disease. |