Fecal Test Detecting Field Carcinogenesis via Partial Wave Spectroscopy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods are inadequate due to low sensitivity, invasiveness, and high costs, particularly for early detection, as they rely on bleeding or tumor products and are impractical for widespread implementation, leading to missed opportunities for early curable lesions.

Innovation Solution

The development of a fecal test that detects field carcinogenesis through the analysis of ultrastructural and molecular markers in fecal mucus layer colonocytes, using partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) and microRNA expression, which identifies changes indicative of CRC or increased risk without relying on bleeding or tumor products, thereby improving sensitivity and reducing invasiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional CRC screening methods (stool tests, colonoscopy) are used, then cancer detection is possible, but sensitivity is low and invasiveness is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/invasive detection methods (colonoscopy, endoscopy) with optical detection methods (partial wave spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy) that can identify molecular and ultrastructural markers in fecal samples, thereby maintaining high detection sensitivity while eliminating the invasiveness of procedural interventions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fecal samples as an intermediary medium that contains molecular and ultrastructural markers reflecting the state of colonic tissue. This intermediary allows indirect detection of field carcinogenesis without requiring direct visualization or manipulation of the colon, thus reducing invasiveness while preserving detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional CRC screening methods are used, then cancer detection is possible, but costs are high and accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidscreening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable optical probes and single-use fecal sample collection kits that are inexpensive to manufacture and discard. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, and reusable equipment like colonoscopes, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining detection sensitivity through advanced optical spectroscopy techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If conventional screening methods rely on bleeding or tumor products, then detection is possible, but early detection of non-bleeding lesions is missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly lesion detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent detects changes in molecular composition and ultrastructural properties of cells through optical spectroscopy, which manifest as characteristic spectral signatures. This allows detection of field carcinogenesis based on molecular alterations rather than bleeding or gross morphological changes, thereby improving early lesion detection accuracy without sacrificing overall detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors changes in molecular markers (microRNA expression, protein profiles) and ultrastructural parameters (cellular architecture, organelle organization) that occur during field carcinogenesis. These parameter changes provide early indicators of neoplastic transformation before lesions become clinically apparent or begin bleeding, thereby enhancing measurement precision for early detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly enhances the detection of CRC by identifying field carcinogenesis markers in fecal samples, allowing for earlier detection of abnormal cells and reducing the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopy, thereby improving patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Implementation Method 1

partial wave spectroscopy (PWS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

microRNA expression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular marker detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10584389B2Cancer screening by detection of ultrastructural and molecular markers

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 NORTHSHORE UNIV HEALTHSYST

AI summary

The present invention relates to detection of cancer, or assessment of risk of development thereof. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods detection of field carcinogenesis by identification of ultrastructural and molecular markers in a subject.