Method of diagnosing, monitoring, staging, imaging and treating gastrointestinal cancer

Abstract

The present invention provides new methods and agents for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating gastrointestinal cancer.

1 . A method for detecting gastrointestinal cancer in a patient comprising: 
 (a) determining levels of GSG in cells, tissues or bodily fluids in a patient; and    (b) comparing the determined levels of GSG with levels of GSG in cells, tissues or bodily fluids from a normal human control, wherein a change in determined levels of GSG in said patient versus normal human control is associated with the presence of gastrointestinal cancer.    
     
     
         2 - 6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the GSG comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or 3 or a polypeptide encoded thereby.  
     
     
         8 . A method of imaging gastrointestinal cancer in a patient comprising administering to the patient an antibody raised against GSG.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said antibody is labeled with paramagnetic ions or a radioisotope.  
     
     
         10 . A method of treating gastrointestinal cancer in a patient comprising administering to the patient an agent which upregulates expression or activity of GSG.