ACTIVE ALPHA-5-BETA-1 INTEGRIN AS A BIOMARKER FOR ENHANCING TUMOR TREATMENT EFFICACY

摘要

Methods for intervening in conditions of active desmoplasia comprise detecting increased levels of active alpha5-beta1 integrin and the localization of this active integrin intracellularly away from three dimensional matrix adhesions within the stroma of affected tissues, as well as detecting the concomitant enhanced activity of focal adhesion kinase. Once active desmoplasia is detected, treatments may ensue, which induce a desmoplastic extracellular matrix to revert to a normal/innate phenotype, or which alter the standard of care to improve an outcome that would be less beneficial without the detection of a treatment-impeding desmoplasia condition. Liquid biopsies for detecting active desmoplasia are provided.