Tumor Vasculature Permeabilizing Molecule for CNS Tumor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and treating central nervous system (CNS) tumors, including brain tumors, are limited due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricting the access of contrast agents and chemotherapeutics, making early detection and treatment challenging.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tumour vasculature permeabilising molecule, such as TNF, to increase the permeability of tumour vasculature surrounding CNS tumors, allowing therapeutic and imaging agents to cross the BBB and reach the tumour site more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the blood-brain barrier is maintained intact to protect the CNS, then protection of the central nervous system is improved, but access of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to CNS tumors is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering a vasculature permeabilizing agent (such as TNF-alpha) before administering the therapeutic or diagnostic agent. This preliminary permeabilization of the blood-brain barrier allows subsequent agents to access the CNS tumor effectively, resolving the contradiction between maintaining barrier protection and enabling agent delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a vasculature permeabilizing agent as an intermediary substance that temporarily modifies the blood-brain barrier properties. This intermediary enables the passage of therapeutic/diagnostic agents without permanently compromising the barrier's protective function, thus mediating between protection and access requirements
2Measurement precision
If contrast agents are used to improve tumor detection, then imaging quality is improved, but the ability to detect small tumors is limited by BBB impermeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first administering a vasculature permeabilizing agent to open the blood-brain barrier, then subsequently administering the contrast agent. This sequence enables the contrast agent to reach small tumors that would otherwise be inaccessible, improving detection capability without requiring the tumor to reach a size that naturally compromises the barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the permeability parameter of the blood-brain barrier temporarily through administration of permeabilizing agents. This parameter change allows contrast agents to cross the barrier and improve detection of small tumors, while the effect is transient to maintain overall barrier integrity
3Reliability
If chemotherapy agents are administered to treat CNS tumors, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the ability of agents to penetrate the BBB is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering vasculature permeabilizing agents (such as TNF-alpha or IL-2) before chemotherapy agents. This preliminary permeabilization creates a temporary window of opportunity for chemotherapy agents to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach the tumor, thereby improving treatment efficacy without requiring permanent barrier disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vasculature permeabilizing agents as intermediaries that facilitate the passage of chemotherapy agents through the blood-brain barrier. These intermediaries temporarily modify barrier properties to enable drug penetration, then restore barrier function, thus mediating between the need for effective chemotherapy delivery and the need to maintain CNS protection
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 enables early detection and improved treatment of CNS tumors by enhancing the delivery of anticancer agents and imaging agents to the tumour site, while maintaining specificity and avoiding systemic side effects, thus improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a tumour vasculature permeabilising molecule for use in permeabilising tumour vasculature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tumour vasculature permeabilising molecule for use in permeabilising vasculature of a tumour for treating, detecting or diagnosing said tumour wherein said tumour vasculature permeabilising molecule is formulated for systemic administration to said patient. A composition comprising a tumour vasculature permeabilising molecule and an appropriate anticancer agent or imaging agent, and a method of treatment or a method of detecting the presence or absence of a tumour are also provided.