Microsatellite Analysis for Bladder Cancer Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting bladder cancer, such as cystoscopy and urinary cytology, are invasive, costly, and have high risks of complications, with limited sensitivity and specificity, necessitating the development of more effective and safer detection techniques.

Innovation Solution

The method involves amplifying specific microsatellite markers (FGA, D9S747, MBP, D9S162, THO1, IFN-A, D21S1245, and D20S48) from bladder and control samples, detecting loss of heterozygosity or microsatellite instability, and using primers with specific nucleic acid sequences to diagnose bladder cancer without invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cystoscopy is used for bladder cancer detection, then sensitivity is improved (90-100%), but device complexity and risk of complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidintricate instrumentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cystoscopy system with a molecular biology-based detection system using microsatellite analysis. Instead of using physical instruments to visually examine the bladder, the method uses PCR amplification of microsatellite markers and capillary electrophoresis to detect genetic changes, thereby eliminating the need for intricate mechanical instrumentation while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces microsatellite markers as intermediary elements to detect bladder cancer. Rather than directly observing the bladder tissue, the method uses these genetic markers as mediators that reflect the presence of cancer. The markers serve as indirect indicators, allowing detection without direct mechanical intervention in the bladder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If cystoscopy is used for bladder cancer detection, then sensitivity is improved (90-100%), but harmful factors increase (injury, complications, infection)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidrisk of injury, complications, and infection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the invasive mechanical cystoscopy system with a non-invasive molecular biology-based detection system. By using PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis to analyze microsatellite markers in urine or tissue samples, the method achieves high sensitivity without the mechanical trauma, infection risk, and complications associated with inserting instruments into the bladder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of invasive detection into benefit by using the presence of cancer cells in urine or tissue as a useful signal. Instead of risking injury to detect cancer mechanically, the method uses the cancer cells themselves as the detection target, amplifying their genetic markers to achieve sensitive detection without any invasive procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If urinary cytology is used for bladder cancer detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates (sensitivity 25-50%, specificity 90-100%)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of procedureVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple but inaccurate urinary cytology method with a molecular biology-based microsatellite analysis system. Instead of relying on visual identification of abnormal cells in urine, the method uses PCR amplification of microsatellite markers and capillary electrophoresis to detect genetic changes, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining ease of sample collection through non-invasive urine or buccal swab sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a sensitive and specific method for detecting bladder cancer, reducing the risk of complications and improving detection accuracy compared to existing methods, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of bladder cancer progression and recurrence.

Implementation Method 1

amplifying a set of microsatellite markers from a bladder sample and a matched control sample to produce a set of amplification products

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerase chain reaction (PCR):

Implementation Method 2

The amplification products were detected by capillary electrophoresis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary electrophoresis: Capillary Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS11976335B2Bladder cancer detection using microsatellite analysis in paired buccal swab and urine samples

Publication Date: 2024.05.07 HJM FOUNDATION CORPORATION

AI summary

Methods are described for the efficient and accurate detection of bladder cancer. In particular, the method utilizes microsatellite analysis of bladder cancer markers to determine the presence of loss of heterozygosity or microsatellite instability using matched buccal swab and urine samples from a patient. In some cancer marker panels, detected loss of heterozygosity or microsatellite instability in two markers can be indicative of bladder cancer.