Inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells

Abstract

A method of testing cancer cells is described. Assays are provided for determining the potential for inhibiting cancer cells proliferation using albumin-derived peptides. The methods of the present invention allow for drug screening as well as for evaluation of biopsied tumors.

1 . A method of testing human cancer cells, comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) a human cancer patient,  
 ii) an antibody to the receptor for human albumin;  
   b) obtaining cancer cells from said patient; and    c) contacting said cells ex vivo with said antibody.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cancer cells are obtained from a biopsy.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cancer cells are selected from the group consisting of breast cancer cells and prostate cancer cells.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising after step (b) and prior to step (c) the step of culturing said cancer cells.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said culturing is performed in serum-free media.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising after step (c) the step of detecting said antibody bound to said cells.  
     
     
         7 . A method of testing human cancer cells, comprising: 
 a) providing: 
 i) human cancer cells obtained from a biopsy;  
 ii) an antibody specific for the human albumin receptor; and  
   b) contacting said cells ex vivo with said antibody.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said cancer cells are selected from the group consisting of breast cancer cells and prostate cancer cells.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising prior to step (b) the step of culturing said cancer cells.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said culturing is performed in serum-free media.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising after step (b) the step of detecting said antibody bound to said cells.