Gene Expression Profile for Metastasis Risk Prognosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing breast cancer tumors lack detailed insights into the early steps of metastasis, such as migration and invasion, and do not provide sufficient information on the molecular biology of tumor cell types or the tumor microenvironment's role in metastasis.
Innovation Solution
A gene expression profile specific for invasion and dissemination in human tumors is developed, using a set of genes to determine the risk of metastasis, invasion, or recurrence by analyzing the expression levels of genes like CSDE1, PGK1, and PTPN11, and employing microarrays and RT-PCR for accurate assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If whole piece of tumor tissue is used for molecular classification and gene signature identification, then prognostic prediction capability is improved, but detailed information about molecular biology of different cell types and tumor microenvironment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tumor tissue into distinct cell populations using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on cellular markers. This allows separate analysis of tumor cells, endothelial cells, and other microenvironmental components, preserving molecular biology information that would be lost in bulk tissue analysis while maintaining prognostic prediction capability through integrated signature development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by developing cell-type-specific gene signatures that reflect the unique molecular characteristics of different tumor cell populations and microenvironmental components. This enables the detection of heterogeneous molecular biology information from specific tissue regions and cell types, providing both prognostic value and detailed biological insights.
2Reliability
If traditional gene expression analysis methods are used, then overall tumor prognosis is assessed, but specific mechanisms of early metastatic steps (migration, invasion, entry into circulation) are not elucidated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by isolating and characterizing migratory tumor cells before they complete the metastatic process. Using in vivo invasion assays and time-lapse microscopy, the study identifies gene expression patterns in cells at early metastatic stages, providing molecular insights into migration and invasion mechanisms that precede entry into circulation and distant metastasis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by analyzing gene expression changes in tumor cells throughout the metastatic cascade. By comparing gene profiles of stationary versus migratory cells and tracking expression dynamics during invasion assays, the study reveals temporal and spatial variations in molecular mechanisms driving early metastatic steps, complementing overall prognosis assessment with mechanistic understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and products are provided for determining if a subject having a tumor is (i) at risk of metastasis of the tumor, or (ii) at risk of recurrence of the tumor after treatment of the tumor. Methods of treatment of cancer, tumors and metastasis are also provided.