Appeal No. 2006-2415 Page 2
Application No. 09/410,336
ductal system . . . and therefore if diagnosed and treated, offer the greatest probability
of cure.” Specification, page 7.
The specification discloses that “[a]ll of these stages can be characterized by
unique cellular markers and epitopes, each of which can be targeted by specific
molecules coupled to identifying agents to define the precise location of the lesions
within the ductal system.” Id. Thus, “the invention provides a method of identifying
atypical or cancerous cells lining or proximal to the ductal networks using an identifying
agent, for example, monoclonal antibodies.” Id. at page 10.
The identifying agent may itself have a detectable moiety, or it may “be coupled
to identifying compounds such as radio-opaque, radioactive or similarly detectable
substances. . . . The identification, localization, and delineation of the extent of the
intraductal lesion(s) greatly enhance the ability of physicians to localize and direct
appropriate therapies to the lesion(s).” Id. at pages 10-11.
Thus, for example, the invention “provides a method of locating a lesion that can
be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other such means that does not
require the breast tissue to be opened, including also, e.g., positron emission
tomography (PET). A targeting molecule labeled with and/or conjugated to an MRI-
detectable molecule . . . or opaque molecule, etc. or a radioactive compound . . . can
provide additional or separate guidance to a surgeon before cutting tissue, or to aid in
an MRI-assisted excisional biopsy.” Id. at page 8.
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