Circulating Nucleic Acid Biomarker Detection for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting prostate cancer, such as PSA tests, are unreliable and there is a need for effective detection methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves analyzing cell-free circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) in blood samples by detecting specific DNA sequences associated with prostate cancer, which are rarely present in normal individuals, using oligonucleotide probes and arrays to identify biomarkers in chromosomal regions listed in Tables 1 and 4, and correlating their presence or levels with the likelihood of prostate cancer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PSA tests are used to detect prostate cancer, then the detection method is simple and widely available, but the reliability of detection is extremely unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple specific chromosomal region analyses ( Tables 1 and 4) rather than using a single PSA marker. By dividing the genome into specific regions to analyze for CNA biomarkers, the method achieves higher reliability through multiple data points while managing complexity through focused regional analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from PSA protein levels to CNA biomarker presence/levels in specific chromosomal regions. This parameter change from a single protein marker to genomic copy number variations in multiple regions fundamentally improves detection reliability by capturing different biological aspects of prostate cancer.
2Measurement precision
If multiple CNA biomarkers are detected to improve diagnostic accuracy, then the reliability of prostate cancer detection is improved, but the complexity of the detection method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the genome into specific chromosomal regions (Tables 1 and 4) and analyzes CNA biomarkers in each region separately. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of individual region contributions to cancer diagnosis while organizing the complexity into manageable, discrete analytical units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal detection platform that can analyze multiple CNA biomarkers across different chromosomal regions using the same methodological framework. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous detection of various biomarkers (improving precision) while using a single standardized protocol (managing complexity).
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
This approach provides a more reliable method for detecting prostate cancer by identifying specific biomarkers in CNA samples, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially monitoring treatment effects or recurrence.
Implementation Method 1
The method involves analyzing cell-free circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) in blood samples by detecting specific DNA sequences associated with prostate cancer, which are rarely present in normal individuals, using oligonucleotide probes and arrays to identify biomarkers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosing prostate cancer that are based on the detection of biomarkers in the circulating nucleic acids from a patient to be evaluated.