<b>Other Drug Test Markers  [PDGF, EGFr, VEGF and more]

PDGFr</b>
Gleevec will have an effect on controlling tumor growth if the tumor reproduction is driven by the tyrosine kinase responsible for the Ckit protein marker on the cell membrane.  Gleevec is also reportedly effective in PDGFr [platelet derived growth factor] positive cells.  However this test is not available commercially at this time.  

Palman C, Bowen_Pope DF, Brooks JJ.   Platelet derived growth factor receptor (beta subunit) immunoreactivity in soft tissue tumors. Lab Invest 1992 Jan;66(1):108_15  Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York.

"Using a well characterized monoclonal antibody (PR7212) to the beta subunit of the platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGF_R(beta) and the avidin biotin
peroxidase method on frozen sections, we analysed PDGF_R(beta) expression .... PDGF_R(beta) reactivity was observed in normal salivary gland, normal cutaneous and visceral fibroblasts, muscularis mucosa of bowel, and endothelial cells; ... Interestingly, hepatocytes and lymph node histiocytes were also positive. Positive tumors included malignant fibrous histiocytoma (6/6), benign and malignant smooth muscle tumors (5/6 leiomyoma, 8/9 leiomyosarcoma), liposarcoma (4/4), synovial sarcoma (6/7), angiosarcoma (2/2), and sarcoma NOS (2/2). Fibromatosis cases were also positive (2/2). In many tumors, the reactive fibroblasts and vascular components were also reactive. The characteristic pattern of reactivity in fibroblastic lesions highlighted thin cytoplasmic extensions or strands not visible in normal hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Expression of PDGF_R(beta) was not necessarily correlated with the presence of PDGF. We conclude that PDGF_R (beta) expression can be identified in a wide variety of mesenchymal lesions and postulate that its presence may be important in the mechanism of growth of these tumors."  
&&url PMID: 1309926 

<b>EGF</b>
Iressa, Avastin,  and similar drugs have targeted EGF molecules in the cells. 

<b>VEGF</b>
VEGF is another marker whose activity is targeted by developing drugs, especially antiangiogenesis drugs like Avastin.

<b>Others</b>
Development of other drugs whose effectiveness can be predetermined by a cell membrane marker that can be tested for on the paraffin block tumor slide is assured.  
