Th17 Cell Density Quantification for Solid Cancer Prognosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting the survival time of cancer patients with solid tumors are not sufficiently accurate, particularly in distinguishing between intermediate survival prospects based on cytotoxic T cell densities alone, as they do not account for the impact of Th17 cell densities effectively.
Innovation Solution
An in vitro method that quantifies Th17 cell densities in the center and invasive margin of tumor tissue samples, comparing these densities to predetermined reference values to provide a prognosis, which can differentiate between good and poor prognoses, and refine predictions by considering cytotoxic T cell densities as well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cytotoxic T cell density is used to predict survival time, then prognosis prediction is provided, but precision is insufficient for patients with intermediate survival prospects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient population by introducing a second classification marker (Th17 cell density) to divide patients with intermediate prognosis into distinct subgroups. This segmentation allows for more granular prediction categories, transforming a single-dimensional classification into a two-dimensional classification system that captures patient heterogeneity more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the prognosis prediction by measuring Th17 cell density in addition to cytotoxic T cell density. This dimensional expansion transforms the prediction system from one parameter to two parameters, enabling better discrimination between patient groups and resolving the limitation of intermediate prognosis classification.
2Ease of operation
If only cytotoxic T cell density is measured, then the method is simple, but it cannot distinguish between different immune response patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complementary immune cell measurements (cytotoxic T cells and Th17 cells) into a unified prognosis prediction method. This combination leverages the strengths of both markers—cytotoxic T cells for antitumoral activity assessment and Th17 cells for inflammation and progression assessment—thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational feasibility through standardized immunohistochemical procedures.
3Measurement precision
If Th17 cell density is added to the analysis, then prognosis discrimination improves, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs immunohistochemical staining with specific antibodies that automatically differentiate and visualize Th17 cells and cytotoxic T cells in tissue sections. This self-service approach allows the measurement system to automatically distinguish cell types and densities without requiring complex manual identification or additional sophisticated equipment, thereby improving precision while limiting the increase in operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and kits for the prognosis of survival time of a patient suffering from a cancerous tumor. The method involves quantitating the density of Th17 cells at the center of the tumor and at the invasive margin of the tumor, where low density values at each location indicate a favourable prognosis, high values at each location indicate an unfavourable prognosis, and heterogeneous values at the two locations (one high, one low) indicate an intermediate prognosis.