FGFR1 Amplification Testing for Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapeutic options for squamous-cell lung cancer are limited due to the lack of identified 'druggable' targets, with existing molecularly targeted drugs showing poor activity or being contraindicated, particularly in patients with a smoking history.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the presence or absence of focal FGFR1 gene amplification in squamous cell lung cancer cells to predict the patient's response to FGFR1 inhibitors, administering an effective amount of FGFR1 inhibitor when amplification is detected, and avoiding FGFR1 inhibitors when amplification is absent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing molecularly targeted drugs are used for squamous-cell lung cancer, then treatment is provided, but the drugs show poor activity or are contraindicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoiddrug applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by identifying a specific genetic alteration (FGFR1 amplification) that occurs in a particular subset of squamous-cell lung cancer patients. Rather than using broad-spectrum targeted drugs that work for other lung cancer types, the invention focuses on a localized genetic feature specific to squamous-cell carcinoma, making the treatment tailored to the specific cancer subtype and patient population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by shifting the therapeutic approach from targeting common pathways (EGFR, ALK) to targeting a different genetic parameter (FGFR1 amplification status). This involves changing the biomarker being measured and the corresponding therapeutic agent, thereby adapting treatment to a new molecular parameter that is relevant to squamous-cell lung cancer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If molecularly targeted drugs are used, then specific treatment is provided, but the drugs are poorly active in squamous-cell lung cancer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment availabilityVSAvoidtreatment activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing FGFR1 amplification testing on patient tumor samples before initiating targeted therapy. This pre-treatment genetic characterization allows clinicians to identify patients who are likely to respond to FGFR inhibitors, ensuring that the right treatment is selected in advance rather than trying ineffective drugs first.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback by using genetic test results (FGFR1 amplification status) to guide treatment decisions. The feedback loop connects diagnostic information directly to therapeutic selection, allowing the treatment plan to be adjusted based on the patient's specific molecular profile, thereby improving treatment activity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized testing protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8709718B1Method of treating lung cancer
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
  • US8709718B1 patent drawing
  • US8709718B1 patent drawing
  • US8709718B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of predicting a lung cancer patient's response to FGFR inhibitors is disclosed herein, particularly in patients with squamous cell lung cancer.