IGH Translocation Breakpoint Mapping for Oncogene Overexpression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting oncogene overexpression through IGH translocations in hematological malignancies are limited by their reliance on specific probes, low-resolution hybridization, and inability to accurately assess the impact of breakpoint distance on oncogene activation, hindering personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Innovation Solution

A method for detecting oncogene overexpression by identifying translocations with breakpoints within 1.3Mb of the oncogene's transcription start site, allowing for personalized cancer treatment strategies through targeted therapies or chemotherapies based on breakpoint proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If FISH with specific probes is used to detect IGH translocations, then detection sensitivity for known translocations is improved, but the ability to detect unknown or rare translocations and assess breakpoint distance impact is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidtranslocation detection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology that can simultaneously detect known and unknown IGH translocations, assess breakpoint distances, and identify fusion partners in a single assay. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple specific FISH probes, enabling comprehensive translocation analysis across diverse hematological malignancies including Burkitt lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from qualitative probe-based signal detection (FISH) to quantitative sequence-based analysis (NGS). By sequencing the IGH locus and analyzing breakpoint sequences, the method can precisely measure distance from the IGH enhancer to the oncogene, a parameter that cannot be assessed by traditional FISH. This parameter change enables correlation between breakpoint distance and oncogene overexpression levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If traditional cytogenetic methods are used, then chromosomal translocations can be identified, but precise breakpoint localization and distance measurement from oncogene transcription start sites cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreakpoint informationVSAvoidbreakpoint resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cytogenetic methods (karyotyping, FISH) with molecular sequencing technology. NGS provides base-pair resolution of breakpoints, replacing the low-resolution visual assessment of traditional methods. This substitution enables precise measurement of the distance between the IGH breakpoint and the transcription start site of the oncogene, information that is completely lost in conventional cytogenetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If IGH translocation detection is performed without considering breakpoint distance, then translocation presence is identified, but the ability to predict oncogene overexpression and guide targeted therapy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidoncogene overexpression prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured breakpoint distance directly informs clinical decision-making. By correlating the distance from the IGH enhancer to the oncogene TSS with overexpression levels, the method provides predictive feedback that guides targeted therapy selection. Patients with breakpoints within a specific distance threshold are identified as candidates for targeted therapies against the fused oncogene, creating a actionable feedback loop from detection to treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4267767B1IGH rearrangements and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 FOUNDATION MEDICINE INC
  • EP4267767B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4267767B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4267767B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Provided herein are methods related to detecting overexpression of an oncogene through translocations in the immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) locus, as well as methods of treatment, uses, and kits related thereto. As demonstrated herein, IGH translocations lead to oncogene overexpression when the distance from a breakpoint of the translocation to the transcription start site (TSS) of an oncogene is within 0-1.3 Mb. As such, detecting IGH translocations in which a breakpoint is 1.3Mb or less from an oncogene TSS may find use, e.g., in detecting oncogene overexpression, providing assessment/diagnosis, identifying individuals for treatment, selecting therapies, identifying treatment options, and treating or delaying progression of cancer, e.g., using relevant targeted and/or non-targeted therapies.