Method for the Prediction of the Risk Potential for Cancerous Diseases and Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases and Corresponding Tests

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the prediction of the risk potential and/or diagnosis of cancerous diseases or inflammatory intestinal diseases, whereby a DNA sample is tested for the presence of polymorphic UGT1A7 allele. A positive result for a mutation is a positive indication of a sensitivity to cancerous diseases. A prediction of sensitivity to an inflammatory intestinal disease can similarly be made. A PCR amplification of the exon 1, by means of the DNA sample with subsequent sequence analysis is carried out in the method and the determined sequence compared with that of the wild type and the polymorphic allele. The presence or lack of mutations is monitored by means of sequencing the corresponding cDNA using automated fluorescent dye sequencing. The test arrangement for said method requires genetic detection reagents, namely the required primer or cDNAs, on a stationary support in a pre-prepared arrangement or sequence for reading off the results. The recombinant UGT1A7 enzymes are also used for therapeutic purposes.

1 - 24 . (canceled)  
     
     
         25 . A method of screening a person for metabolism of tumor therapeutic agents, comprising the steps of: 
 testing a DNA sample from said person for the presence of a mutation at codon 208 of the UGT1A7 gene; and    based on the presence or absence of said mutation at codon 208 of the UGT1A7 gene, determining a dosage of a tumor therapeutic agent to be administered to said person.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein said dosage determined in said determining step is based on a predicted metabolism of said tumor therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         27 . A method of screening a person for toxicity or carcinogenic potency of mutagenic or carcinogenic substances, comprising the steps of: 
 testing a DNA sample from said person for the presence of a mutation at codon 208 of the UGT1A7 gene; and    based on presence or absence of said mutation at codon 208 of the UGT1A7, determining a toxicity or carcinogenic potency of mutagenic or carcinogenic substances in said person.    
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein said mutagenic or carcinogenic substances is a tumor therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said determining step provides a metabolic characterization of said tumor therapeutic agent.