Methods for measuring microvascular density in tumors
US6993175B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/922
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides methods of determining the microvascular density of tumors. The methods generally comprise creating a digital image of a defined cross section of the tumor, determining the cross-sectional surface area of vascular tissue in the section of the tumor, determining the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, calculating the ratio of the cross sectional surface area of the tumor to the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, and thereby determining the microvascular density of the tumor. The digital image of the tumor may preferably be created using image processing software and the image may be displayed on a computer screen. The image may be digitally dissected by removing from the image all non-vascular tissue. This approach produces reproducible results that match the results generated by functional MRI assessments of blood perfusion of the tumors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.