Back to results
US 7,405,045 B2Granted
Identification of viral agents in breast ducts and antiviral therapy therefore
AssigneeCytyc Corporation
InventorDavid Hung
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems for identifying a virus in breast ducts are provided. In addition, antiviral therapy for treating a virally infected breast duct is also provided. Patients with a viral infection identified in the breast ducts may be at risk for developing breast precancer or cancer.
Claims13
A method for identifying a patient having an increased risk for developing breast precancer or breast cancer, said method comprising the following steps:
- (a) introducing a ductal access tool into a plurality of breast ducts, said access tool comprising an elongated lumen;
- (b) introducing a fluid into the breast ducts through said elongated lumen;
- (c) retrieving ductal fluid samples from within the breast ducts through said lumen;
- (d) combining said ductal fluid samples into a single fluid sample;
- and
- (e) detecting a viral agent in the fluid sample.
3 more elements
A method of treating a patient at risk for or having a breast precancer or breast cancer, said method comprising the following steps:
- (a) introducing a ductal access tool into a plurality of breast ducts, said access tool comprising elongated lumen;
- (b) introducing a fluid into the breast ducts through said elongated lumen;
- (c) retrieving ductal fluid samples from within the breast ducts through said lumen;
- (d) combining said ductal fluid samples into a single fluid sample;
- and
- (e) detecting a viral agent in the retrieved fluid sample;
- and
- (f) delivering to the patient a composition comprising an antiviral agent specific for the detected viral agent.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.