Adhesive Patch Skin Sampling for Non-Invasive Cancer Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying skin diseases, such as skin cancers, are invasive, lack sensitivity, are costly, and often result in late-stage detection, necessitating the development of non-invasive methods for assessing skin disease risk and providing early treatment interventions.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive gene expression analysis using adhesive patches to collect skin samples, followed by RNA-sequencing or RT-qPCR to analyze specific mRNA transcripts, applying classifiers like deep learning or cluster analysis to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and providing targeted treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive sampling methods are used, then patient comfort and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and detection sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin sample collection process by using multiple adhesive patches applied to different areas of the skin, allowing comprehensive sampling without requiring invasive procedures. This segmentation enables the system to gather sufficient molecular material through non-invasive means while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using adhesive patches as mediators between the skin and the analysis system. These patches collect skin cells and molecular material without direct tissue penetration, enabling non-invasive sampling while preserving the integrity and quality of the biological material for accurate detection.
2Loss of time
If early detection methods are implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and analysis cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting skin samples using adhesive patches that can be applied and processed before the development of visible skin lesions or at early stages of skin disease. This enables early detection and intervention while using relatively simple, readily available sampling technology rather than complex invasive procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple adhesive patches are applied to different skin areas, then sampling comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal adhesive patches that can be applied to multiple different skin areas with the same basic device. These multi-functional patches serve multiple sampling locations simultaneously, enhancing sampling comprehensiveness without requiring multiple specialized devices or significantly increasing procedure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods, systems, and compositions for non-invasively diagnosing or detecting a skin disease or disorder. Diagnosing or detecting a non-melanoma skin cancer (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma) as provided herein comprises detecting and/or comparing gene expression levels of identified genes. Methods, systems, and compositions are also described for differentiation of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) from other diseases, such as actinic keratosis (AK).