Breast MRS Spectral Markers for Non-Invasive Cancer Risk Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing breast cancer risk are inadequate in providing reliable and non-invasive means to evaluate the risk based on molecular changes in breast tissue.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to detect specific spectral resonances at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm, indicative of methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels in breast tissue, which correlate with breast cancer risk, through 2D COSY or 1D MRS data mining, and comparing these levels to reference signals for risk assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to detect spectral resonances at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm for MMA levels, then measurement precision of breast cancer risk assessment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex MRS data acquisition into specific spectral regions of interest (3.15 and 3.19 ppm resonances corresponding to MMA). By focusing only on these specific frequency ranges rather than analyzing the entire spectrum, the method reduces data processing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for cancer risk assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses spectral resonances at specific frequencies (3.15 and 3.19 ppm) as intermediary markers for MMA levels. These resonances serve as mediators that translate complex molecular information into measurable spectral signals, enabling indirect but accurate assessment of breast cancer risk without requiring direct molecular analysis.
2Measurement precision
If 2D COSY spectroscopy is used to obtain spectral data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spectral information needed for risk assessment - specifically the resonances at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm - from the complete 2D COSY spectrum. By isolating and analyzing only these critical frequency regions rather than processing the entire spectral dataset, the method maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing the time required for data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring and analyzing only the specific spectral regions containing diagnostic information (the 3.15 and 3.19 ppm resonances) rather than processing the complete spectral range. This selective approach provides sufficient measurement precision for clinical decision-making while minimizing time investment.
3Reliability
If spectral resonances are used to assess breast cancer risk, then reliability of risk assessment is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent translates complex spectral data into simplified visual representations, where specific resonance patterns (at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm) serve as diagnostic indicators analogous to color changes. This transformation allows clinicians to quickly interpret reliability of risk assessment results without needing to analyze complex spectral patterns, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system enabling a determination of the risk of developing breast cancer of a subject, comprises using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy device to obtain the level of the spectral signal at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm, within the breast tissue of the subject, and comparing the level of the spectral signal obtained in the first step with a reference level of a spectral signal at 3.15 and 3.19 ppm of the breast of a healthy subject, to determine whether the level of the signal obtained in the first step exceeds the reference level of a healthy subject is comparable to that of a subject known to be at elevated risk; or is elevated to the level of persons known to be carrying a gene mutation.