Membrane Filtration of Circulating Cell Clusters Without Trapping Single Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for effectively removing cancer-associated cell clusters from blood circulation, which are instrumental in metastasis and poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a membrane having pores sized to allow individual cancer cells to pass through while retaining cell clusters of three or more, utilizing materials like metal, stainless steel, or polymers, and adjusting blood flow rates to reduce these clusters by up to 95% per procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a filtration system uses small pores to retain cell clusters, then cell cluster removal efficiency is improved, but individual cancer cells may be trapped and removed along with clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a filtration system with a porous membrane having specifically sized pores (20-60 microns) that allow individual cancer cells to pass through while retaining larger cell clusters. The porous structure enables size-based separation without requiring chemical or biological markers, achieving both high cluster removal efficiency and preservation of individual cancer cells for continued circulation and immune surveillance.
2Quantity of substance
If a filtration system uses large pores to allow individual cancer cells to pass through, then cancer cell preservation is improved, but cell cluster removal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pore size parameter of the filtration membrane to fall within the 20-60 micron range. This parameter selection creates a critical threshold effect where pores are large enough to permit individual cancer cells (typically 10-20 microns) to pass freely, yet small enough to physically block larger cell clusters (comprising multiple cells with diameters exceeding 20 microns). This single parameter optimization simultaneously achieves both objectives of preserving individual cells while removing clusters.
3Productivity
If blood flow rate is increased to improve treatment speed, then productivity is improved, but filtration efficiency may deteriorate due to reduced contact time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the flow rate-efficiency tradeoff by transitioning from a single-pass filtration approach to a recirculation system with multiple passes. Blood is circulated through the filtration device repeatedly, allowing each cell cluster multiple opportunities to encounter and be retained by the porous membrane. This dimensional change from single-pass to multi-pass processing enables both high flow rates (maintaining productivity) and high removal efficiency (approaching 95% per procedure through cumulative effect).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces cancer-associated cell clusters in the bloodstream, thereby decreasing metastasis and improving progression-free survival by up to 72 months.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane filter having pores sized to allow individual cells to pass through while retaining cell clusters
Data Source
AI summary
Circulating cell clusters found in subjects with cancer, autoimmune conditions, infections, or other diseases, can be trapped or disrupted by filtering them with an intra- or extracorporeal device and, in some cases, exposing them to a substance, such as enzyme, that reduces intercellular adhesion.