Nucleic Acid miRNA Detection for Accurate Stomach Cancer Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting stomach cancer, such as imaging tests and existing tumor markers, are inadequate for early detection, leading to high mortality rates and unnecessary burdens on patients due to false positives or negatives, and existing miRNA-based methods lack practicality and specificity.

Innovation Solution

The use of nucleic acids capable of specifically binding to miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-6088, for detecting stomach cancer in blood samples with limited invasiveness, providing a more accurate and convenient screening method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If imaging tests (gastric X-ray, CT, PET, MRI) are used for stomach cancer screening, then detection capability is improved, but patient burden and healthcare costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpatient burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical imaging tests (gastric X-ray, CT, PET, MRI) with a biochemical detection system based on miRNA expression analysis. The nucleic acid probe system detects cancer-specific miRNA markers in gastric fluid, substituting physical imaging with molecular biology-based detection that requires minimal patient preparation and exposure to radiation or complex procedures.

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

2Reliability

If existing tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9) are used for stomach cancer detection, then detection capability is improved, but false positives and negatives increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific miRNA markers (miR-21, miR-221, miR-222) that are locally expressed in stomach cancer tissues rather than using general tumor markers. The nucleic acid probes are designed to specifically bind to these cancer-associated miRNA sequences, providing localized molecular detection that distinguishes stomach cancer from other conditions, thereby reducing false positives and negatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite approach by combining multiple miRNA markers (miR-21, miR-221, miR-222) into a panel for detection. This composite marker system provides more comprehensive and accurate detection compared to single markers, as the combination allows for cross-validation and reduces the impact of individual marker variability or non-specific expression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If miRNA-based detection methods are developed, then detection accuracy is improved, but practicality and specificity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpracticality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential miRNA detection function from complex research-stage miRNA-based methods. The nucleic acid probes are designed to specifically hybridize with target miRNA sequences, and the detection system focuses on quantifying miRNA expression levels in gastric fluid without requiring complex tissue analysis or multiple procedural steps. This extraction of the core detection mechanism improves practicality while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If invasive procedures are used for tissue sampling, then detection accuracy is improved, but patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinvasiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces gastric fluid as an intermediary medium between the patient and the detection system. Instead of directly analyzing gastric tissue through invasive biopsies, the method detects miRNA markers present in gastric fluid that can be obtained through less invasive means such as gastric lavage or aspiration during routine endoscopy. This intermediary approach maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing patient burden and procedural invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for early and accurate detection of stomach cancer, reducing false positives and negatives, and minimizing invasive procedures, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Implementation Method 1

a nucleic acid(s) capable of specifically binding to a particular miRNA(s)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleic acid hybridization:

Data Source

PatentEP4365602B1Stomach cancer biomarker and detection method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC
  • EP4365602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4365602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4365602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a kit or a device for the detection of stomach cancer and a method for detecting stomach cancer, and provides a kit or a device for the detection of stomach cancer, comprising a nucleic acid(s) capable of specifically binding to a miRNA(s) in a sample from a subject, and a method for detecting stomach cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA(s) in vitro.