Metabolite Biomarker Panels for Non-Invasive CRC/ACRA Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced colorectal adenoma (ACRA) are either invasive, causing discomfort, or non-invasive methods lack accuracy and reliability, necessitating the development of non-invasive biomarkers for early detection.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a set of target metabolites, quantified by mass spectrometry, processed through a prediction model to determine a sample score, and compared to a cut-off score for CRC/ACRA detection, enabling non-invasive diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive diagnostic methods (colonoscopy, biopsy) are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to discomfort, pain, or tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidpatient discomfort and tissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses metabolites in body fluids (urine, blood, saliva) as intermediary markers that reflect the presence of CRC or ACRA without requiring direct contact with or manipulation of the colorectal tissue. These metabolite profiles serve as mediators between the disease state and the diagnostic measurement, enabling non-invasive detection while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive approach of colonoscopy and biopsy with a biochemical measurement system. Instead of physically examining or sampling colorectal tissue, the system measures metabolite concentrations in body fluids using analytical instruments, substituting mechanical intrusion with chemical analysis

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive diagnostic methods (FOBT, CEA) are used, then patient comfort is improved, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex metabolic profile into multiple individual metabolite measurements rather than relying on a single biomarker. By analyzing a panel of metabolites (including but not limited to hippuric acid, phenylacetic acid, indoleacetic acid, and their derivatives) and combining their information, the system achieves higher diagnostic accuracy than single-marker non-invasive tests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite diagnostic approach by combining multiple metabolite measurements into an integrated assessment. The diagnostic result is derived from the collective information of various metabolite profiles rather than any single metabolite, similar to how composite materials combine multiple components to achieve superior properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The system effectively distinguishes between normal and CRC/ACRA subjects, facilitating early detection and potential treatment, improving survival rates through non-invasive means.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining, from a quantitative measurement device, quantified abundance of one or more target metabolites in a panel of a plurality of metabolites

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentUS20250273338A1Biomarkers for detecting colorectal cancer or colorectal adenoma and methods thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.28 PRECOGIFY PHARM CHINA CO LTD
  • US20250273338A1 patent drawing
  • US20250273338A1 patent drawing
  • US20250273338A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A group of diagnostic biomarkers usable for diagnosis of colorectal cancer or advanced colorectal adenoma (CRC/ACRA) is provided. The method for detecting CRC/ACRA using the group of diagnostic biomarkers is also provided. For example, the method is a non-invasive approach that may utilize serum samples for detecting colorectal cancer. Moreover, the method for detecting colorectal cancer may detect colorectal cancer of different stages (e.g., pre-cancer stage, early stage, middle stage, late stage). A kit for detecting CRC/ACRA is also provided.