Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Cancer in Tissue
This 1974 patent describes a method and apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure how quickly certain atomic nuclei in a tissue sample return to their normal energy state, helping to distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue.
Original patent title: “Apparatus and method for detecting cancer in tissue”
This 1974 patent describes a method and apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure how quickly certain atomic nuclei in a tissue sample return to their normal energy state, helping to distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue. Granted to Individual in 1974 with 21 claims and 83 forward citations, and it is now in the public domain.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a way to detect cancer by looking at the behavior of atomic nuclei within a tissue sample. It involves placing the tissue in a special machine (a nuclear induction apparatus) that uses magnetic fields. First, the nuclei are energized to a higher energy state using magnetic radiation. Then, the machine measures how long it takes for these energized nuclei to return to their normal state. This measurement, called relaxation time (specifically spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times), is different for normal and cancerous tissues. By comparing these measured times to known standards for healthy and cancerous tissue, doctors can determine if cancer is present and how aggressive it might be. For example, claimclaimA numbered sentence at the end of a patent that legally defines what the inventor owns. The most important section.Read more → 2 mentions using water protons as the indicator nuclei, and claim 3 describes actuating two magnetic energy sources to achieve this.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Detecting cancer using methods other than measuring NMR relaxation times.
- Methods that do not involve comparing measurements to established standards for normal and cancerous tissue.
- Detecting cancer in non-mammalian tissue (though the principles might be similar).
- Using nuclei other than those exhibiting deviant behavior in cancerous tissue as the primary indicator.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The core innovation was realizing that the different molecular environments in cancerous cells, particularly concerning water content and structure, would cause specific atomic nuclei (like protons in water) to relax back to their normal energy state at measurably different rates compared to healthy cells. This provided a biophysical basis for distinguishing between normal and malignant tissues using NMR.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Early MRI scanners
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) for tissue analysis
Modern MRI machines used in hospitals worldwide
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent is foundational for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in medicine. While MRI is primarily used for imaging, the underlying principles of measuring nuclear relaxation times, as described here, are crucial. This work by Raymond Damadian was a significant step towards non-invasive diagnostic tools that revolutionized medical imaging and cancer detection.
Filed
March 17, 1972
Granted
February 5, 1974
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The principles laid out in this patent are fundamental to virtually all modern MRI and MRS technology. Major medical imaging companies like Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, and Philips Healthcare build upon this foundational work in their MRI scanner development. Research institutions continue to refine MRS techniques for more precise cancer diagnosis and characterization.
Market impact
This patent, along with related work, laid the groundwork for the multi-billion dollar medical imaging industry centered around MRI. It enabled the development of non-invasive diagnostic tools that significantly improved the ability to detect and monitor various diseases, including cancer, leading to earlier interventions and better patient outcomes. It spurred decades of research and development in NMR technology for medical applications.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a way to detect cancer by looking at the behavior of atomic nuclei within a tissue sample. It involves placing the tissue in a special machine (a nuclear induction apparatus) that uses magnetic fields. First, the nuclei are energized to a higher energy state using magnetic radiation. Then, the machine measures how long it takes for these energized nuclei to return to their normal state. This measurement, called relaxation time (specifically spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times), is different for normal and cancerous tissues. By comparing these measured times to known standards for healthy and cancerous tissue, doctors can determine if cancer is present and how aggressive it might be. For example, claim 2 mentions using water protons as the indicator nuclei, and claim 3 describes actuating two magnetic energy sources to achieve this.
The clever bit
The core innovation was realizing that the different molecular environments in cancerous cells, particularly concerning water content and structure, would cause specific atomic nuclei (like protons in water) to relax back to their normal energy state at measurably different rates compared to healthy cells. This provided a biophysical basis for distinguishing between normal and malignant tissues using NMR.
What it does not cover
- Detecting cancer using methods other than measuring NMR relaxation times.
- Methods that do not involve comparing measurements to established standards for normal and cancerous tissue.
- Detecting cancer in non-mammalian tissue (though the principles might be similar).
- Using nuclei other than those exhibiting deviant behavior in cancerous tissue as the primary indicator.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
This patent is in the public domain
See the Freedom to Build guide — what is free to use, what is not, and how to cite this patent.
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
38/40
Highly cited
Claim breadth
14/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$44K – $140K
Midpoint $88K · expired or expiring · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Patent Claims
0 independent claims · 1 dependent
Claims are the legal boundaries of the patent. An independent claim stands alone. A dependent claim adds limitations to its parent, narrowing — but not broadening — the scope.
The original legal language
Original claims
21 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Damadian, R. (1974). Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Cancer in Tissue (U.S. Patent No. 3,789,832). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3789832/mri-magnetic-resonance-imaging
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Cancer in Tissue cover?
This 1974 patent describes a method and apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure how quickly certain atomic nuclei in a tissue sample return to their normal energy state, helping to distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue.
Who owns patent US 3789832?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 1974.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 3789832 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 83 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent is foundational for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in medicine. While MRI is primarily used for imaging, the underlying principles of measuring nuclear relaxation times, as described here, are crucial. This work by Raymond Damadian was a significant step towards non-invasive diagnostic tools that revolutionized medical imaging and cancer detection.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Detecting cancer using methods other than measuring NMR relaxation times.
Same assignee
More from Individual
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