Pre-and post therapy gene expression profiling to identify drug targets

摘要

A general method for identifying biological targets for improving currently available therapies is provided. Target genes and their expression products are identified based on their response to therapy as determined through pre- and post-therapy expression profiles. In another aspect, differences in expression profiles between responsive and nonresponsive patients are taken into account to identify potential new targets for the development of novel medications or treatments. The invention also provides methods for comparing therapies to predict which will have the best therapeutic efficacy and/or the least potential deleterious. The methods taught are specifically applied to identify targets for improving treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.