# 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. - **Patent:** US 8053198 - **Original title:** Diagnostic methods - **Owner:** Meso Scale Technologies - **Granted:** 2011 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical, medical_devices ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## Real-world examples 1. Diagnostic kits for ovarian cancer detection 2. Laboratory blood tests for cancer screening 3. Biomarker assays used in clinical trials ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Method for Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Using Biomarkers cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 8053198? Meso Scale Technologies owns this patent, granted in 2011. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 12, 2028, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Diagnosing any cancer other than ovarian cancer. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8053198/diagnostic-methods **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8053198 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. 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