Detecting cancerous conditions by assaying for telomerase activity
US5989807A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q2521/113
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and kits are provided for diagnosis of specific cancerous conditions. The invention features a method for diagnosis of a condition in a patient associated with an elevated level of telomerase activity within a cell. The method involves determining the presence or amount of telomerase within the cells in the patient, e.g. by the use of the polymerase chain reaction. In one embodiment of the invention, the condition associated with elevated telomerase activity is chosen from prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cancer, ovarian/cervical cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. The invention allows cancer to be detected even in tissues and cells which are not positive by pathology.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.