Released cytokeratins as markers for epithelial cells
US8524493B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
2References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25375
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods of detecting viable epithelial cells in a sample. The method includes isolating the sample comprising cells from a patient and culturing the cells for a time sufficient for an epithelial cell-specific marker to be released from the cells. The marker includes a substantially full-length cytokeratin. The method further includes detecting the released marker. Detection of the marker indicates the presence of disseminated epithelial cells. Methods are also directed to identifying disseminated epithelial tumor cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.