GENE EXPRESSION SIGNATURE FOR PREDICTION OF HUMAN CANCER PROGRESSION

Methods are provided for classification of cancers by the expression of a set of genes referred to as the core serum response (CSR), or a subset thereof. The expression pattern of the CSR in normal tissues correlates with that seen in quiescent fibroblasts cultured in the absence of serum, while cancer tissues can be classified as having a quiescent or induced CSR signature. Patients with the induced CSR signature have a higher probability of metastasis. Classification according to CSR signature allows optimization of treatment, and determination of whether on whether to proceed with a specific therapy, and how to optimize dose, choice of treatment, and the like.