Urine-Based DEK Isoform 2 Detection for Bladder Cancer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting bladder cancer, such as cystoscopy and urine cytology, are invasive, costly, and have low sensitivity and specificity, necessitating a non-invasive and reliable urine-based test with high sensitivity and specificity for early detection and surveillance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of a precipitate from a urine sample using chemicals like acetone or trichloroacetic acid, followed by re-suspension in a polar solvent and concentration via filtration, to detect DEK protein isoform 2 using Western blot or ELISA assays, which correlates with the presence of bladder cancer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cystoscopy is used to detect bladder cancer, then detection capability is improved, but patient comfort and compliance deteriorate due to invasiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort and compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive procedure of cystoscopy with a non-invasive urine-based biochemical detection method. Instead of inserting a scope into the bladder, the invention uses urine samples analyzed through ELISA assays to detect cancer biomarkers, thereby maintaining high detection capability while eliminating patient discomfort and improving compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces urine as an intermediary medium to indirectly detect bladder cancer. Rather than directly observing the bladder interior through cystoscopy, the method detects cancer-related biomarkers (such as DEK protein isoform 2, NMP22, BTA) present in urine, providing a non-invasive diagnostic approach that maintains reliability while improving patient comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cystoscopy is used for bladder cancer detection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable ELISA test kits and reagents that are relatively inexpensive compared to expensive cystoscopy equipment and procedures. The use of cost-effective biochemical assays enables accurate bladder cancer detection at a lower financial burden, making the diagnostic process more accessible while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If urine cytology is used to detect bladder cancer, then non-invasiveness is improved, but sensitivity and specificity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasivenessVSAvoidsensitivity and specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent significantly improves upon traditional urine cytology by detecting specific biochemical parameters (presence and concentration of cancer biomarkers such as DEK protein isoform 2, NMP22, BTA) rather than relying on visual assessment of cells. This parameter-based detection approach using ELISA assays achieves both non-invasiveness and high sensitivity and specificity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If conventional urine-based markers are used for bladder cancer detection, then non-invasiveness is maintained, but sensitivity and specificity remain insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasivenessVSAvoidsensitivity and specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing detection on specific, localized biomarkers (DEK protein isoform 2, NMP22, BTA) that are specifically associated with bladder cancer pathology. Rather than using general urine markers with low diagnostic value, the invention identifies and detects particular proteins and molecules that provide high sensitivity and specificity while maintaining the non-invasive advantage of urine-based testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method provides a highly sensitive (79%) and specific (83%) non-invasive means to detect bladder cancer by identifying DEK protein isoform 2 in urine samples, improving early detection and surveillance capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

forming a precipitate from a urine sample with a chemical compound selected from the group consisting of acetone, trichloroacetic acid, ethanol, methanol/chloroform, and ammonium sulfate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 2

concentrating said solution 2-10 fold by filtration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8741582B2Detection of a specific DEK isoform as a urine-based biomarker for bladder cancer

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC LAB LLC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a method of detecting a DEK protein isoform 2 in a human urine sample using ELISA. Methods and compositions for detection of DEK isoform 2 in human urine are provided herein. The presence of DEK isoform 2 in urine is shown to correlate with bladder cancer in humans.