Müllerian Adenosarcoma Diagnosis via Genetic Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic and treatment methods for Müllerian Adenosarcoma lack reliable molecular and genetic markers, making it difficult to distinguish from similar tumors and predict the risk of sarcomatous overgrowth, which affects prognosis and treatment planning.

Innovation Solution

Detecting specific genetic abnormalities such as mutations in the ATRX gene and copy number variations in MYBL1, MDM2, HMGA2, and CDK4 genes using assays like fluorescent in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to diagnose and predict the risk of Müllerian Adenosarcoma and guide treatment decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If histologic examination alone is used for diagnosis, then the diagnostic process is simple, but the diagnostic accuracy is insufficient due to inability to reliably distinguish MA from similar tumors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnostic process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces molecular markers (ATRX mutation status, MYBL1/MDM2/HMGA2/CDK4 copy number variations) as intermediary elements that mediate between the tumor tissue and the diagnostic conclusion. These molecular markers serve as objective indicators that resolve the ambiguity in histologic diagnosis, enabling reliable distinction between MA and similar tumors without requiring complex multi-step diagnostic algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely morphological/mechanical examination approach (histologic visualization and subjective interpretation) with molecular biological detection methods (immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction). This substitution provides objective, quantifiable molecular data that supersedes the limitations of subjective histologic assessment

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

2Reliability

If no molecular markers are used, then the diagnostic method is simple and quick, but the ability to predict sarcomatous overgrowth risk is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprognostic reliabilityVSAvoidtesting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs molecular marker detection (ATRX mutation, MYBL1/MDM2/HMGA2/CDK4 copy number) as a preliminary action during the diagnostic phase, before treatment planning. This advance detection of prognostic indicators allows clinicians to predict sarcomatous overgrowth risk beforehand, enabling proactive adjustment of treatment strategies rather than reactive changes based on later clinical progression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the diagnostic parameters from purely morphological features (cellular arrangement, nuclear atypia) to include molecular parameters (ATRX expression status, copy number variations). This parameter expansion provides new dimensions of information that correlate with biological behavior and prognosis, enabling more reliable risk stratification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If treatment is based on histology alone, then treatment planning is straightforward, but the personalization of treatment is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment personalizationVSAvoidtreatment decision complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by tailoring treatment to the specific molecular characteristics of each patient's tumor. Rather than uniform treatment protocols, the detection of ATRX mutations and MYBL1/MDM2/HMGA2/CDK4 copy number variations identifies distinct molecular subtypes that receive customized treatment approaches, optimizing therapy for each patient's specific tumor biology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using molecular marker results to guide and adjust treatment decisions. The detection data feeds back into the clinical decision-making process, allowing treatment plans to be adapted based on the specific molecular profile detected, creating a closed-loop system where diagnosis informs treatment which can be refined based on molecular findings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10119169B2Methods to diagnose and treat mullerian adenosarcoma
Publication Date: 2018.11.06 THE BRIGHAM & WOMEN S HOSPITAL INC
  • US10119169B2 patent drawing
  • US10119169B2 patent drawing
  • US10119169B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods for diagnosing and treating Müllerian Adenosarcoma that include detecting the presence of one or more of a mutation in an ATRX gene, and/or a Copy Number Variation (CNV) in a MYBL1, MDM2, HMGA2, and/or CDK4 gene.