Method for Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Using Biomarkers

This patent describes a method to diagnose ovarian cancer by measuring specific protein levels in a patient's blood sample and comparing them to normal levels.

What it covers

This patent outlines a diagnostic method for identifying ovarian cancer. It involves measuring the level of a specific protein, called Flt-1, in a patient's blood sample (serum or plasma). This measured level is then compared to the normal level of Flt-1 found in healthy individuals. If the patient's Flt-1 level is significantly higher than normal (specifically, more than one standard deviation above the normal level), it suggests the presence of ovarian cancer. The method can also include measuring other biomarkers like CA125 or IL-6, and using these additional measurements to help confirm the diagnosis. The entire process can be performed on a single blood sample, potentially within a single assay chamber.

What it doesn't cover

• —Diagnosing any cancer other than ovarian cancer.
• —Diagnosing ovarian cancer using only symptoms or imaging, without measuring biomarker levels.
• —Using biomarkers other than Flt-1 as the sole indicator for diagnosing ovarian cancer.
• —Methods that do not compare patient sample levels to a normal control sample.
• —Diagnosing ovarian cancer based on levels that are not statistically significant deviations (e.g., less than one standard deviation above normal).

The clever bit

The innovation lies in identifying Flt-1 as a key indicator for ovarian cancer and establishing a clear, statistically defined threshold (one standard deviation above normal) for its measurement to signal the disease's presence, potentially simplifying and standardizing the diagnostic process.

Why it matters

Early and accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer is critical for improving patient outcomes. This patent provides a specific method for potentially detecting the disease earlier by focusing on key biological markers in blood samples. Such diagnostic tools are essential for the field of oncology and personalized medicine.

Real-world examples

• 1.Diagnostic kits for ovarian cancer detection
• 2.Laboratory blood tests for cancer screening
• 3.Biomarker assays used in clinical trials