Christine M Craig

US Patent:

20190265245, Aug 29, 2019

Filed:

Dec 31, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/237112

Inventors:

- Baltimore MD, US
Drew M. Pardoll - Brookeville MD, US
Christine Craig - Baltimore MD, US
Elizabeth Wick - Baltimore MD, US

International Classification:

G01N 33/574
A61K 45/06
A61K 31/7056
A61K 35/745
A61K 35/747
C12Q 1/6869
C12Q 1/6841
A61K 31/407
A61K 35/741
A61K 35/742
A61K 35/744
A61K 31/7048
A61K 31/546
A61K 31/43
A61K 31/165

Abstract:

Methods of identifying subjects at increased risk of cancer, based upon detection of biofilms and/or biofilm-associated microbes within a subject, are disclosed. Therapies designed to prevent formation and/or reduce the size of biofilms in a subject identified to be at increased risk of cancer based upon detection of biofilms and/or biofilm-associated microbes are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the invention provides for identification of a subject at elevated risk of developing or having colorectal cancer and/or a colorectal adenoma, based upon detection of a biofilm and/or biofilm-associated bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract of the subject (optionally, within a biopsy specimen and/or stool sample of such subject). Therapies involving administration of an antibiotic agent and/or a probiotic agent to a subject, to prevent or reduce biofilm formation within the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, optionally provided in combination with additional cancer therapy, are also disclosed.