US4334017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for detecting cancer in mammalian tissue
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
•
Filing: 1981-03-16
•
Granted: 1982-06-08
•
Expires: 2001-03-16
Abstract
Abstract An improved method for assaying for cancer by detecting beta -linked galactose moieties associated with cells is disclosed wherein a label specific for such moieties is added to the cells and subsequently sensed.
Inventors
- 👤 George M. Plotkin
- 👤 George Wolf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/50; G01N33/58; G01N33/582; C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/48; G01N2474/00; G01N2474/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/808; Y10S436/00; Y10S436/80; Y10S436/827
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
48 words
A method for determining whether mammalian tissue cells are malignant, comprising: (a) adding to said cells a label which (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties, and (2) can be detected; (b) thereafter, detecting the amount of said label bound to said cells or components thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
48 words
A method for determining whether mammalian tissue cells are malignant, comprising: (a) adding to said cells a label which (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties, and (2) can be detected; (b) thereafter, detecting the amount of said label bound to said cells or components thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said label comprises a lectin coupled to a fluorescent dye.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said lectin comprises RCA 120 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said dye comprises fluorescein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
99 words
An improved noninvasive test for cancer in mammals, comprising: (a) incubating cells from said mammalian tissue in the presence of a label which: (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties present in the membrane of said cells; and, (2) is capable of being detected after it becomes bound to said β-linked galactose moieties in said cell membrane; (b) detecting the amount of said label which is bound to said cell membrane; and, (c) comparing the amount of said label bound to the cell membrane of test cells to the level which would be present in non-cancer cells.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
99 words
An improved noninvasive test for cancer in mammals, comprising: (a) incubating cells from said mammalian tissue in the presence of a label which: (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties present in the membrane of said cells; and, (2) is capable of being detected after it becomes bound to said β-linked galactose moieties in said cell membrane; (b) detecting the amount of said label which is bound to said cell membrane; and, (c) comparing the amount of said label bound to the cell membrane of test cells to the level which would be present in non-cancer cells.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A test of claim 5 wherein said label comprises a lectin bound to a dye.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
A test of claim 6 wherein said dye is a fluorescent dye.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
A test of claim 7 wherein said lectin comprises RCA 120 .
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
A test of claim 8 wherein said dye comprises fluorescein.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
37 words
A method for determining whether mammalian cells are cancerous comprising determining the level of β-linked galactose moieties associated with the plasma membrane of said cells and comparing the level found with the level associated with non-cancerous cells.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
37 words
A method for determining whether mammalian cells are cancerous comprising determining the level of β-linked galactose moieties associated with the plasma membrane of said cells and comparing the level found with the level associated with non-cancerous cells.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method of claim 10 wherein said level of β-linked galactose moieties is determined by an optical technique.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
50 words
An assay for detecting β-linked galactose moieties on, within or shed from cells comprising contacting said cells with a label which (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties and (2) is capable of being sensed after it becomes bound to said moieties and thereafter sensing for said label.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
An assay for detecting β-linked galactose moieties on, within or shed from cells comprising contacting said cells with a label which (1) has a specific affinity for β-linked galactose moieties and (2) is capable of being sensed after it becomes bound to said moieties and thereafter sensing for said label.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-06-07 | 1985-12-07 | 1986-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-06-07 | 1989-12-07 | 1990-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-06-07 | 1993-12-07 | 1994-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |