Stool Multi-Marker Colorectal Cancer Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting colorectal cancer, such as fecal occult blood testing, have low sensitivity and are not widely accepted due to invasiveness and expense, while fecal long DNA testing alone is not optimal for CRC detection, highlighting the need for more accurate and user-friendly screening tools.
Innovation Solution
Combining the detection of exfoliated epithelial markers like long DNA and fecal occult blood markers in stool samples using real-time Alu PCR and heme porphyrin tests to provide a sensitive and complementary approach for colorectal cancer detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fecal occult blood testing is used for colorectal cancer detection, then the method is simple and non-invasive, but the sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fecal occult blood testing with long DNA testing into a single multi-marker assay system. By detecting multiple markers (hemoglobin, alpha-defensin, calprotectin, and long DNA) simultaneously in stool samples, the system achieves higher sensitivity (80-90%) compared to traditional single-marker tests, while maintaining the non-invasive nature of fecal testing.
2Reliability
If colonoscopy is performed for colorectal cancer screening, then the detection accuracy is high, but the procedure is invasive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stool-based multi-marker testing as an intermediary screening tool between non-invasive methods and invasive colonoscopy. The system identifies high-risk individuals through sensitive detection of multiple biomarkers in stool, enabling targeted referral for colonoscopy only when necessary, thereby reducing overall invasiveness while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If fecal long DNA testing alone is used, then the method is non-invasive, but the detection sensitivity is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite biomarker system that integrates multiple types of markers (blood markers like hemoglobin and alpha-defensin, plus DNA markers like calprotectin and long DNA) into a unified detection platform. This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of different marker types to achieve superior sensitivity compared to single-marker long DNA testing alone.
4Measurement precision
If multiple markers are detected in stool samples, then the detection sensitivity improves, but the testing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal stool-based testing platform that can simultaneously detect multiple different biomarkers using a single integrated assay system. The methodology employs universal extraction and detection procedures that work across all marker types (proteins and DNA), eliminating the need for separate testing protocols and reducing operational complexity despite the multi-marker approach.
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 combination offers a more accurate and sensitive detection of colorectal cancer, improving screening effectiveness and acceptability by utilizing non-invasive methods, with fecal long DNA and occult blood providing distinct markers for CRC detection, enhancing early-stage detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence or absence of one or more exfoliated epithelial markers specific for a colorectal neoplasm in or associated with the stool sample
Implementation Method 2
real-time Alu PCR
Implementation Method 3
heme porphyrin tests
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and materials related to the detection of colorectal neoplasm-specific markers in or associated with a subject's stool sample. In particular, the present invention provides methods and materials for identifying mammals having a colorectal neoplasm by detecting the presence of exfoliated epithelial markers (e.g., human DNA, tumor associated gene alterations, tumor associated proteins) and blood markers (e.g., hemoglobin, serum proteins) in a stool sample obtained from the mammal.