ECM Degradation Gene Panel for Early Cancer and Aneurysm Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a simple and reliable way to diagnose cancer and aortic aneurysms, particularly in early stages, and there is a need for effective strategies to identify patients at risk for metastasis or relapse, as well as optimize treatment regimes.
Innovation Solution
Determining the level of expression of specific genes in peripheral blood, such as COL11A1, COL5A2, TGFB1, ITGA4, ITGB1, MMP2, and MMP9, which indicate ECM degradation, allowing for the detection of cancer and aneurysm progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current diagnostic methods are used for cancer and aortic aneurysm detection, then diagnosis can be performed, but the methods are not simple, reliable, or cost-effective for early stage detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific ECM degradation markers (collagen fragments, MMPs, TIMPs) from the complex biological system of cancer and aneurysm pathogenesis. By focusing on a limited set of key molecular markers rather than attempting to diagnose through multiple complex parameters, the test achieves high reliability while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness for early detection
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic test panel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it detects early stage cancer, monitors aneurysm progression, identifies patients at risk for metastasis, and evaluates treatment response. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified set of ECM degradation markers that are relevant across different disease stages and types, eliminating the need for separate complex diagnostic protocols
2Measurement precision
If current methods are used to identify patients at risk for metastasis or relapse, then some risk identification is possible, but there is no simple laboratory test for reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures ECM degradation markers in circulation before metastatic events or relapses occur. By detecting collagen fragments, MMPs, and TIMPs in the blood stream as early indicators of disease progression, the test identifies patients at risk for metastasis or relapse in advance, enabling timely intervention before the actual adverse events happen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ECM degradation markers (collagen fragments, MMPs, TIMPs) as intermediary substances that mediate between the primary tumor/aneurysm and the distant metastatic sites or relapse events. These markers circulate in the blood stream and provide measurable evidence of disease progression, making the invisible process of metastasis detection possible through simple blood tests
3Adaptability or versatility
If current diagnostic approaches are used for cancer and aneurysm, then diagnosis can be made, but treatment regimes cannot be optimized due to lack of early detection strategies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs diagnostic measurement of ECM degradation markers before treatment decisions are made. By detecting elevated levels of collagen fragments, MMPs, or TIMPs in the early stages of cancer or aneurysm progression, the test provides advance information that allows clinicians to optimize treatment regimes before the disease advances further, preventing loss of time for therapeutic intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where ECM degradation markers are measured both at diagnosis and during treatment monitoring. The results provide feedback on treatment effectiveness, allowing clinicians to adjust and optimize treatment regimes in real-time based on the patient's response, thereby improving adaptability of treatment to individual patient needs
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides an in vitro method for determining the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a subject, the method comprising determining in an isolated sample from the subject the level of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of collagen type V alpha 1 chain (COL5A1), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1), integrin subunit alpha 4 (ITGA4), integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1), the at least one gene being determined optionally in combination with one or both of collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) and collagen type V alpha 2 chain (COL5A2), wherein when the level of the expression product(s) is (are) higher than a reference value this is indicative of a degraded ECM. Methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and aneurysms are also provided. Furthermore, means for determining the level of expression product of the genes in the above diagnosis or prognosis methods are also provided, as well as kits containing said means.