The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.