WO2022207628A1 - Scf comme biomarqueur sanguin pour le diagnostic non invasif de l'endométriose - Google Patents

Scf comme biomarqueur sanguin pour le diagnostic non invasif de l'endométriose Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022207628A1
WO2022207628A1 PCT/EP2022/058241 EP2022058241W WO2022207628A1 WO 2022207628 A1 WO2022207628 A1 WO 2022207628A1 EP 2022058241 W EP2022058241 W EP 2022058241W WO 2022207628 A1 WO2022207628 A1 WO 2022207628A1
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endometriosis
scf
amount
concentration
patient
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PCT/EP2022/058241
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English (en)
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Aikaterini GEORGOPOULOU
Martin Hund
Klammer MARTIN
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F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag
Roche Diagnostics Gmbh
Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
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Publication of WO2022207628A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022207628A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6893—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids related to diseases not provided for elsewhere
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6863—Cytokines, i.e. immune system proteins modifying a biological response such as cell growth proliferation or differentiation, e.g. TNF, CNF, GM-CSF, lymphotoxin, MIF or their receptors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2800/00—Detection or diagnosis of diseases
    • G01N2800/36—Gynecology or obstetrics
    • G01N2800/364—Endometriosis, i.e. non-malignant disorder in which functioning endometrial tissue is present outside the uterine cavity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods of assessing whether a patient has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis, to methods of selecting a patient for therapy of endometriosis, and methods of monitoring a patient suffering from endometriosis or being treated for endometriosis, by determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma-like lesions outside of the uterus.
  • the lesions can be peritoneal lesions, superficial implants or cysts on the ovary, or deep infiltrating disease.
  • Endometriosis affects 5- 8% of all women of reproductive age and 70% of women with chronic pelvic pain.
  • the prevalence of endometriosis has been estimated at 176 million women worldwide (Adamson et al. J Endometr. 2010; 2: 3-6). For many of these women there is often a delay in diagnosis of endometriosis resulting in unnecessary suffering and reduced quality of life. In patients aged 18-45 years, there is a delay of 7-10 years.
  • Non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis would allow earlier diagnosis and treatment, with the potential to improve quality of life and reduce the societal costs related to endometriosis, and has therefore been selected as a research priority by the World Endometriosis Society (WES) and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) (Fassbender et ak, Springer, Peripheral Blood Biomarkers for Endometriosis. 2017).
  • WERF World Endometriosis Research Foundation
  • a non-invasive tool to diagnose endometriosis could facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention that could ultimately improve quality of life and preserve fertility (Parasar et al. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2017; 6: 34-41).
  • CA-125 is one of the most commonly used blood biomarkers, however, its diagnostic utility is limited to endometriosis rASRM stages III and IV (Nisenblat et ak, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;5: CD012179).
  • Pacchiarotti A. et al (Pacchiarotti A. et al. Fertil Steril 2010; 95 (3): 1171-1173) also reported increased positive immunostaining of c-kit in ectopic endometrial biopses from patients with endometriosis when compared to both eutopic endometrium from the same patients as well as uterine epithelial cells from healthy women (p ⁇ 0.001).
  • the present invention therefore, provides means and methods complying with these needs.
  • the present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a patient has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis, comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • the present invention relates to a method of selecting a patient for therapy (in particular drug-based therapy or surgical therapy (laparoscopy) of endometriosis, comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • a patient for therapy in particular drug-based therapy or surgical therapy (laparoscopy) of endometriosis
  • the present invention relates to a method of monitoring a patient suffering from endometriosis or being treated for endometriosis, comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • FIG. 1 Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) analyses for single biomarkers (A) SCF and (B) CA-125.
  • FIG. 1 Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) analyses for combination of biomarkers and combination of biomarkers and clinical symptoms
  • x-axis specificity
  • y-axis sensitivity
  • Figure 3 Box plots of SCF in endometriosis cases (Case) and controls (A) and SCF in cases rASRM stage I-II (Gl/2), rASRM stages III-IV (G3/4) and Controls (B).
  • Figure 4 Box plot analysis for SCF in serum samples from women with endometriosis and healthy women without endometriosis (with the proximity extension assay technology).
  • SCF measured in blood is increased in women with endometriosis compared to controls.
  • SCF levels are specifically increased in endometriosis stages I and II (minimal/mild endometriosis).
  • endometriosis stages I and II minimal/mild endometriosis.
  • dysmenorrhea menstrual cycle-dependent pain
  • biomarker CA-125 increased the diagnostic performance for distinguishing women with endometriosis from those without endometriosis.
  • SCF alone or in combination with dysmenorrhea and/or CA-125 has the advantage of a non-invasive blood-based test that identifies women with early endometriosis, in particular peritoneal endometriosis (stages I-II) that is currently not possible with a non-invasive test or a multivariate logistic regression model.
  • indicator refers to a sign or signal for a condition or is used to monitor a condition.
  • a condition refers to the biological status of a cell, tissue or organ or to the health and/or disease status of an individual.
  • An indicator may be the presence or absence of a molecule, including but not limited to peptide, protein, and nucleic acid, or may be a change in the expression level or pattern of such molecule in a cell, or tissue, organ or individual.
  • An indicator may be a sign for the onset, development or presence of a disease in an individual or for the further progression of such disease.
  • An indicator may also be a sign for the risk of developing a disease in an individual.
  • biomarker refers to a substance within a biological system that is used as an indicator of a biological state of said system.
  • the term termed “biomarker” is sometimes also applied to means for the detection of said endogenous substances (e.g. antibodies, nucleic acid probes etc, imaging systems).
  • biomarker“ shall be only applied for the substance, not for the detection means.
  • biomarkers can be any kind of molecule present in a living organism, such as a nucleic acid (DNA, mRNA, miRNA, rRNA etc.), a protein (cell surface receptor, cytosolic protein etc.), a metabolite or hormone (blood sugar, insulin, estrogen, etc.), a molecule characteristic of a certain modification of another molecule (e.g. sugar moieties or phosphoryl residues on proteins, methyl-residues on genomic DNA) or a substance that has been internalized by the organism or a metabolite of such a substance.
  • a nucleic acid DNA, mRNA, miRNA, rRNA etc.
  • a protein cell surface receptor, cytosolic protein etc.
  • a metabolite or hormone blood sugar, insulin, estrogen, etc.
  • a molecule characteristic of a certain modification of another molecule e.g. sugar moieties or phosphoryl residues on proteins, methyl-residues on genomic DNA
  • SCF Stem Cell Factor
  • kit ligand a multipotent hematopoietic cytokine.
  • SCF exerts its biologic effect through binding to the receptor c-kit (else known as stem cell factor receptor), which in turn is expressed in mast cells, hematopoietic stem cells and cells of the germ line [Cho NFL et al. (2004) Fertil Steril 81:403-7]
  • the amino acid sequence of human SCF can be accessed via UniProt (see Q13528 HUMAN).
  • the mean concentration of SCF in serum of healthy individuals is 3.3 ng/ml.
  • Retrograde menstrual flux with subsequent implantation and growth of viable endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity is a widely accepted hypothesis supporting the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
  • endometrial stem/ progenitor cells also reach the peritoneal cavity, where they adhere and give rise to the endometrial implants.
  • some forms of endometriosis may arise from remnant fetal Mullerian cells, which have characteristic stem cell properties of high proliferative potential, multipotency and self-renewal [Gargett C.E.
  • cytokines and growth factors present in the peritoneal cavity have been described as part of the development and progression of the disease, including SCF [Kirchhoff D. et al. (2012 ) Expert Opin Ther Targets 16: 237-241]
  • Mast cells are a major cellular component within the peritoneal cavity and high numbers of degranulated mast cells have been reported within the ectopic endometrium of peritoneal endometriosis patients when compared to eutopic endometrium [Sugamata M. et al. (2005) Am J Reprod Immunol 53: 120-5]
  • SCF has been described as the major growth differentiation and chemoattractant factor for mast cells.
  • CA-125 the Carbohydrate antigen 125, sometimes named as Cancer Antigen 125 or Tumor Antigen 125, is a mucin-type glycoprotein, produced by the MUC16 gene, and associated with the cellular membrane.
  • CA-125 is a biomarker for epithelial cell ovarian cancer being derived from coelomic epithelia including the endometrium, fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum. Diagnostic use of CA-125 is limited to endometriosis stages III and IV (moderate and severe endometriosis) with moderate sensitivity.
  • Symptoms of a disease are implication of the disease noticeable by the tissue, organ or organism having such disease and include but are not limited to pain, weakness, tenderness, strain, stiffness, and spasm of the tissue, an organ or an individual.
  • “Signs” or “signals” of a disease include but are not limited to the change or alteration such as the presence, absence, increase or elevation, decrease or decline, of specific indicators such as biomarkers or molecular markers, or the development, presence, or worsening of symptoms.
  • Symptoms of pain include, but are not limited to an unpleasant sensation that may be felt as a persistent or varying burning, throbbing, itching or stinging ache.
  • disease and “disorder” are used interchangeably herein, referring to an abnormal condition, especially an abnormal medical condition such as an illness or injury, wherein a tissue, an organ or an individual is not able to efficiently fulfil its function anymore.
  • a disease is associated with specific symptoms or signs indicating the presence of such disease. The presence of such symptoms or signs may thus, be indicative for a tissue, an organ or an individual suffering from a disease. An alteration of these symptoms or signs may be indicative for the progression of such a disease.
  • a progression of a disease is typically characterised by an increase or decrease of such symptoms or signs which may indicate a "worsening" or “bettering” of the disease.
  • the "worsening" of a disease is characterised by a decreasing ability of a tissue, organ or organism to fulfil its function efficiently, whereas the “bettering" of a disease is typically characterised by an increase in the ability of a tissue, an organ or an individual to fulfil its function efficiently.
  • a tissue, an organ or an individual being at "risk of developing" a disease is in a healthy state but shows potential of a disease emerging.
  • the risk of developing a disease is associated with early or weak signs or symptoms of such disease. In such case, the onset of the disease may still be prevented by treatment.
  • Examples of a disease include but are not limited to inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, cutaneous conditions, endocrine diseases, intestinal diseases, neurological disorders, joint diseases, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, traumatic diseases, and various types of cancer.
  • Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent, inflammatory disease that is characterized by lesions of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. Clinical presentation of endometriosis varies significantly from patient to patient. Endometriosis patients often present with symptoms such as intermenstrual bleeding, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), painful intercourse (dyspareunia), painful defecation (dyschezia) and painful urination (dysuria). Pelvic pain due to endometriosis is usually chronic (lasting >6 months) and is associated with dysmenorrhea (in 50 to 90% of cases), dyspareunia, deep pelvic pain, and lower abdominal pain with or without back and loin pain.
  • the pain can occur unpredictably and intermittently throughout the menstrual cycle or it can be continuous, and it can be dull, throbbing, or sharp, and exacerbated by physical activity.
  • Bladder- and bowel-associated symptoms are typically cyclic. Pain often worsens over time and may change in character; infrequently, women report burning or hypersensitivity, symptoms that are suggestive of a neuropathic component. Often, endometriosis can be asymptomatic, only coming to a clinician’s attention during evaluation for infertility (Sinaii et al. Fertil Steril. 2008; 89(3): 538-545).
  • endometriosis The most commonly affected sites of endometriosis are the pelvic organs and peritoneum, although other parts of the body such as the lungs are occasionally affected.
  • the extent of the disease varies from a few, small lesions on otherwise normal pelvic organs to large, ovarian endometriotic cysts (endometriomas) and/or extensive fibrosis and adhesion formation causing marked distortion of pelvic anatomy.
  • endometriotic lesions can be classified into peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriotic cysts (endometrioma), deep nodules (deep infiltrating endometriosis), and adenomyosis (Kennedy et al. Hum Reprod. 2005; 20(10): 2698-2704).
  • rASRM stage or “rASRM staging” refers to the revised classification system established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) describing the severity of endometriosis based on the findings at surgery (laparoscopy). The classification is based on the morphology of peritoneal and pelvic implants such as red, white and black lesions, percentage of involvement of each lesion should be included. Number, size, and location endometrial implants, plaques, endometriomas and adhesions should be noted. Endometriosis in bowel, urinary tract, fallopian tube, vagina, cervix, skin, or other locations should be documented per ASRM guidelines.
  • Stages of endometriosis according to ASRM guidelines are stage I, II, III, and IV determined based on the point scores and correspond to minimal, mild, moderate and severe endometriosis.
  • the rASRM stages I & II endometriosis are defined by superficial peritoneal endometriosis, possible presence of small deep lesions, absence of endometrioma and/or mild filmy adhesion.
  • the rASRM stages III and IV endometriosis are defined by the presence of superficial peritoneal endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis with moderate to extensive adhesions between the uterus and bowels and/or endometrioma cysts with moderate to extensive adhesions involving the ovaries and tubes.
  • VAS Visual Analog Scale
  • the VAS consists of a 10-cm long horizontal line with its extremes marked as ‘no pain’ and ‘worst pain imaginable’. Each patient ticks her pain level on the line and the distance from ‘no pain’ on the extreme left to the tick mark is measured in centimeters, yielding a pain score from 0 to 10. ‘No pain’ corresponds to a pain score of 0, ‘worst pain imaginable’ corresponds to a pain score of 10.
  • VAS score the Visual Analog Scale, is an instruments to assess the intensity of pain.
  • the VAS consists of a 10-cm long horizontal line with its extremes marked as ‘no pain’ and ‘worst pain imaginable’. Each patient ticks her pain level on the line and the distance from ‘no pain’ on the extreme left to the tick mark is measured in centimeters, yielding a pain score from 0 to
  • the term “patient” as used herein refers to an animal, preferably a mammal and, more typically to a human.
  • the patient is preferably a human female.
  • the patient is preferably a young or adolescent human female aged between 12-24 years.
  • the patient is a young or adolescent human female.
  • the patient to be investigated by the method of the present invention shall be a patient having suspected endometriosis.
  • the term “suspected endometriosis” as used herein means that the patient shall exhibit clinical parameters, signs and/or symptoms of endometriosis.
  • the patient according to the invention is, typically, a patient that suffers from an endometriosis or is suspected to suffer from an endometriosis.
  • sample or “sample of interest” are used interchangeably herein, referring to a part or piece of a tissue, organ or individual, typically being smaller than such tissue, organ or individual, intended to represent the whole of the tissue, organ or individual.
  • samples include but are not limited to fluid samples such as blood, serum, plasma, synovial fluid, urine, saliva, and lymphatic fluid, or solid samples such as tissue extracts, cartilage, bone, synovium, and connective tissue. Analysis of a sample may be accomplished on a visual or chemical basis.
  • Visual analysis includes but is not limited to microscopic imaging or radiographic scanning of a tissue, organ or individual allowing for morphological evaluation of a sample.
  • Chemical analysis includes but is not limited to the detection of the presence or absence of specific indicators or alterations in their amount, concentration or level.
  • the sample is an in vitro sample, it will be analyzed in vitro and not transferred back into the body.
  • amount encompasses the absolute amount of a biomarker as referred to herein, the relative amount or concentration of the said biomarker as well as any value or parameter which correlates thereto or can be derived therefrom.
  • values or parameters comprise intensity signal values from all specific physical or chemical properties obtained from the said peptides by direct measurements, e.g., intensity values in mass spectra or NMR spectra.
  • values or parameters which are obtained by indirect measurements specified elsewhere in this description e.g., response amounts measured from biological read out systems in response to the peptides or intensity signals obtained from specifically bound ligands. It is to be understood that values correlating to the aforementioned amounts or parameters can also be obtained by all standard mathematical operations.
  • comparing refers to comparing the amount of the biomarker in the sample from the subject with the reference amount of the biomarker specified elsewhere in this description. It is to be understood that comparing as used herein usually refers to a comparison of corresponding parameters or values, e.g., an absolute amount is compared to an absolute reference amount while a concentration is compared to a reference concentration or an intensity signal obtained from the biomarker in a sample is compared to the same type of intensity signal obtained from a reference sample.
  • the comparison may be carried out manually or computer- assisted. Thus, the comparison may be carried out by a computing device.
  • the value of the measured or detected amount of the biomarker in the sample from the subject and the reference amount can be, e.g., compared to each other and the said comparison can be automatically carried out by a computer program executing an algorithm for the comparison.
  • the computer program carrying out the said evaluation will provide the desired assessment in a suitable output format.
  • the value of the measured amount may be compared to values corresponding to suitable references which are stored in a database by a computer program.
  • the computer program may further evaluate the result of the comparison, i.e. automatically provide the desired assessment in a suitable output format.
  • the value of the measured amount may be compared to values corresponding to suitable references which are stored in a database by a computer program.
  • the computer program may further evaluate the result of the comparison, i.e. automatically provides the desired assessment in a suitable output format.
  • reference sample refers to a sample which is analysed in a substantially identical manner as the sample of interest and whose information is compared to that of the sample of interest.
  • a reference sample thereby provides a standard allowing for the evaluation of the information obtained from the sample of interest.
  • a control sample may be derived from a body fluid of a healthy individual, in particular serum or plasma for a non-invasive test, thereby providing a standard of a healthy status of a tissue, organ or individual. Differences between the status of the normal reference sample and the status of the sample of interest may be indicative of the risk of disease development or the presence or further progression of such disease or disorder.
  • a control sample may be derived from an abnormal or diseased tissue, organ or individual thereby providing a standard of a diseased status of a tissue, organ or individual. Differences between the status of the abnormal reference sample and the status of the sample of interest may be indicative of a lowered risk of disease development or the absence or bettering of such disease or disorder.
  • a reference sample may also be derived from the same tissue, organ, or individual as the sample of interest but has been taken at an earlier time point. Differences between the status of the earlier taken reference sample and the status of the sample of interest may be indicative of the progression of the disease, i.e. a bettering or worsening of the disease over time.
  • the control sample may be an internal or an external control sample.
  • An internal control sample is used, i.e. the marker level(s) is(are) assessed in the test sample as well as in one or more other sample(s) taken from the same subject to determine if there are any changes in the level(s) of said marker(s).
  • For an external control sample the presence or amount of a marker in a sample derived from the individual is compared to its presence or amount in an individual known to suffer from, or known to be at risk of, a given condition; or an individual known to be free of a given condition, i.e., "normal individual".
  • such external control sample may be obtained from a single individual or may be obtained from a reference population that is age-matched and free of confounding diseases. Typically, samples from 100 well-characterized individuals from the appropriate reference population are used to establish a "reference value". However, reference population may also be chosen to consist of 20, 30, 50, 200, 500 or 1000 individuals. Healthy individuals represent a preferred reference population for establishing a control value.
  • a marker concentration in a patient sample can be compared to a concentration known to be associated with a specific course of a certain disease.
  • the sample's marker concentration is directly or indirectly correlated with a diagnosis and the marker concentration is e.g. used to determine whether an individual is at risk for a certain disease.
  • the sample's marker concentration can e.g. be compared to a marker concentration known to be associated with a response to therapy in a certain disease, the diagnosis of a certain disease, the assessment of the severity of a certain disease, the guidance for selecting an appropriate drug to a certain disease, in judging the risk of disease progression, or in the follow-up of patients.
  • an appropriate control sample is chosen and a control or reference value for the marker established therein.
  • the absolute marker values established in a control sample will be dependent on the assay used.
  • assessing refers to assessing whether a patient suffers from endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis. Accordingly, assessing as used herein includes diagnosing endometriosis, predicting the risk for developing endometriosis, selecting for therapy of endometriosis, monitoring a patient suffering from endometriosis or being treated for endometriosis, by determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • the assessment referred to in accordance with the present invention is the assessment of the risk of developing endometriosis and thus the prediction of the risk of developing endometriosis.
  • the prediction is made within a predictive window of 6 month and two years. More typically, said predictive window is about a time window of about 6 months to 12 month for a non- invasive test dependent on the symptoms, such as pelvic pain.
  • the assessment made in accordance with the present invention may usually not be correct for 100% of the investigated subjects.
  • the term typically, requires that a statistically significant portion of subjects can be correctly assessed. Whether a portion is statistically significant can be determined without further ado by the person skilled in the art using various well known statistic evaluation tools, e.g., determination of confidence intervals, p-value determination, Student ' s t-test, Mann-Whitney test, etc.. Details may be found in Dowdy and Wearden, Statistics for Research, John Wiley & Sons, New York 1983. Typically envisaged confidence intervals are at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%. The p- values are, typically, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05.
  • the terms "lowered” or “decreased" level of an indicator refer to the level of such indicator in the sample being reduced in comparison to the reference or reference sample.
  • an indicator refers to the level of such indicator in the sample being higher in comparison to the reference or reference sample.
  • a protein that is detectable in higher amounts in a fluid sample of one individual suffering from a given disease than in the same fluid sample of individuals not suffering from said disease has an elevated level.
  • measurement preferably comprises a qualitative, a semi-quanitative or a quantitative measurement.
  • immunoglobulin refers to immunity conferring glycoproteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily.
  • Surface immunoglobulins are attached to the membrane of effector cells by their transmembrane region and encompass molecules such as but not limited to B-cell receptors, T -cell receptors, class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, beta-2 microglobulin ( ⁇ 2M), CD3, CD4 and CDS.
  • MHC major histocompatibility complex
  • ⁇ 2M beta-2 microglobulin
  • CD3, CD4 and CDS CDS.
  • antibody refers to secreted immunoglobulins which lack the transmembrane region and can thus, be released into the bloodstream and body cavities.
  • Human antibodies are grouped into different isotypes based on the heavy chain they possess. There are five types of human Ig heavy chains denoted by the Greek letters: a, g, d, e, and m. ⁇ The type of heavy chain present defines the class of antibody, i.e. these chains are found in IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM antibodies, respectively, each performing different roles, and directing the appropriate immune response against different types of antigens.
  • Distinct heavy chains differ in size and composition; and may comprise approximately 450 amino acids (Janeway et al. (2001) Immunobiology, Garland Science).
  • IgA is found in mucosal areas, such as the gut, respiratory tract and urogenital tract, as well as in saliva, tears, and breast milk and prevents colonization by pathogens (Underdown & Schiff (1986) Annu. Rev. Immunol. 4:389-417).
  • IgD mainly functions as an antigen receptor on B cells that have not been exposed to antigens and is involved in activating basophils and mast cells to produce antimicrobial factors (Geisberger et al. (2006) Immunology 118:429-437; Chen et al. (2009) Nat. Immunol.
  • IgE is involved in allergic reactions via its binding to allergens triggering the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. IgE is also involved in protecting against parasitic worms (Pier et al. (2004) Immunology, Infection, and Immunity, ASM Press). IgG provides the majority of antibody -based immunity against invading pathogens and is the only antibody isotype capable of crossing the placenta to give passive immunity to fetus (Pier et al. (2004) Immunology, Infection, and Immunity, ASM Press).
  • IgGl In humans there are four different IgG subclasses (IgGl, 2, 3, and 4), named in order of their abundance in serum with IgGl being the most abundant (-66%), followed by IgG2 (-23%), IgG3 (-7%) and IgG (-4%).
  • the biological profile of the different IgG classes is determined by the structure of the respective hinge region.
  • IgM is expressed on the surface of B cells in a monomeric form and in a secreted pentameric form with very high avidity. IgM is involved in eliminating pathogens in the early stages of B cell mediated (humoral) immunity before sufficient IgG is produced (Geisberger et al. (2006) Immunology 118:429-437).
  • Antibodies are not only found as monomers but are also known to form dimers of two Ig units (e.g. IgA), tetramers of four Ig units (e.g. IgM of teleost fish), or pentamers of five Ig units (e.g. mammalian IgM).
  • Antibodies are typically made of four polypeptide chains comprising two identical heavy chains and identical two light chains which are connected via disulfide bonds and resemble a "Y"-shaped macro-molecule. Each of the chains comprises a number of immunoglobulin domains out of which some are constant domains and others are variable domains. Immunoglobulin domains consist of a 2-layer sandwich of between 7 and 9 antiparallel —strands arranged in two —sheets.
  • the heavy chain of an antibody comprises four Ig domains with three of them being constant (CH domains: CHI. CH2. CH3) domains and one of the being a variable domain (V H).
  • the light chain typically comprises one constant Ig domain (CL) and one variable Ig domain (V L).
  • the human IgG heavy chain is composed of four Ig domains linked from N- to C-terminus in the order VwCHl-CH2-CH3 (also referred to as VwCyl-Cy2-Cy3), whereas the human IgG light chain is composed of two immunoglobulin domains linked from N- to C-terminus in the order VL-CL, being either of the kappa or lambda type (VK-CK or VA.-CA.).
  • the constant chain of human IgG comprises 447 amino acids. Throughout the present specification and claims, the numbering of the amino acid positions in an immunoglobulin are that of the "EU index" as in Kabat, E.
  • CH domains in the context of IgG are as follows: "CHI” refers to amino acid positions 118-220 according to the EU index as in Kabat; "CH2” refers to amino acid positions 237- 340 according to the EU index as in Kabat; and “CEB” refers to amino acid positions 341-44 7 according to the EU index as in Kabat.
  • full-length antibody “intact antibody”, and “whole antibody” are used herein interchangeably to refer to an antibody in its substantially intact form, not antibody fragments as defined below.
  • Papain digestion of antibodies produces two identical antigen binding fragments, called “Fab fragments” (also referred to as “Fab portion” or “Fab region”) each with a single antigen binding site, and a residual “Fe fragment” (also referred to as “Fe portion” or “Fe region”) whose name reflects its ability to crystallize readily.
  • Fab fragments also referred to as “Fab portion” or “Fab region”
  • Fe portion also referred to as “Fe portion” or “Fe region
  • the Fe region is composed of two identical protein fragments, derived from the CH2 and CH3 domains of the antibody's two heavy chains; in IgM and IgE isotypes, the Fe regions contain three heavy chain constant domains (CH2-4) in each polypeptide chain.
  • CH2-4 heavy chain constant domains
  • smaller immunoglobulin molecules exist naturally or have been constructed artificially.
  • the term "Fab 1 fragment” refers to a Fab fragment additionally comprise the hinge region of an Ig molecule whilst “F(ab')2 fragments” are understood to comprise two Fab' fragments being either chemically linked or connected via a disulfide bond. Whilst “single domain antibodies (sdAb )" (Desmyter et al.
  • scFv single chain Fv
  • di-scFvs Divalent single-chain variable fragments
  • scFvA- scFvB Divalent single-chain variable fragments
  • Bispecific diabodies are formed by expressing to chains with the arrangement VHA-VLB and VHB-VLA or VLA-VHB and VLB-VHA, respectively.
  • Singlechain diabodies comprise a VHA-VLB and a VHB-VLA fragment which are linked by a linker peptide (P) of 12-20 amino acids, preferably 14 amino acids, (VHA-VLB-P-VHB-VLA).
  • Bi- specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs)" are fusion proteins consisting of two scFvs of different antibodies wherein one of the scFvs binds to T cells via the CD3 receptor, and the other to a tumor cell via a tumor specific molecule (Kufer et al. (2004) Trends Biotechnol. 22:238-244).
  • Dual affinity retargeting molecules (“DART” molecules) are diabodies additionally stabilized through a C-terminal disulfide bridge.
  • antibody fragments refers to a portion of an intact antibody, preferably comprising the antigen-binding region thereof.
  • Antibody fragments include but are not limited to Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv fragments; diabodies; sdAb, nanobodies, scFv, di-scFvs, tandem scFvs, triabodies, diabodies, scDb, BiTEs, and DARTs.
  • binding affinity generally refers to the strength of the sum total of noncovalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., an antibody) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen). Unless indicated otherwise, as used herein, “binding affinity” refers to intrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1 : 1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., antibody and antigen).
  • the affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (Kd). Affinity can be measured by common methods known in the art, including but not limited to surface plasmon resonance based assay (such as the BIAcore assay as described in PCT Application Publication No.
  • Low-affinity antibodies generally bind antigen slowly and tend to dissociate readily, whereas high-affinity antibodies generally bind antigen faster and tend to remain bound longer.
  • a variety of methods of measuring binding affinity are known in the art, any of which can be used for purposes of the present invention.
  • “Sandwich immunoassays” are broadly used in the detection of an analyte of interest.
  • the analyte is “sandwiched” in between a first antibody and a second antibody.
  • a sandwich assay requires that capture and detection antibody bind to different, non-overlapping epitopes on an analyte of interest. By appropriate means such sandwich complex is measured and the analyte thereby quantified.
  • a first antibody bound to the solid phase or capable of binding thereto and a detectably-labeled second antibody each bind to the analyte at different and non-overlapping epitopes.
  • the first analyte-specific binding agent e.g.
  • an antibody is either covalently or passively bound to a solid surface.
  • the solid surface is typically glass or a polymer, the most commonly used polymers being cellulose, polyacrylamide, nylon, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene.
  • the solid supports may be in the form of tubes, beads, discs of microplates, or any other surface suitable for conducting an immunoassay.
  • the binding processes are well-known in the art and generally consist of cross-linking covalently binding or physically adsorbing, the polymer-antibody complex is washed in preparation for the test sample. An aliquot of the sample to be tested is then added to the solid phase complex and incubated for a period of time sufficient (e.g.
  • the solid phase comprising the first or capture antibody and bound thereto the antigen can be washed, and incubated with a secondary or labeled antibody binding to another epitope on the antigen.
  • the second antibody is linked to a reporter molecule which is used to indicate the binding of the second antibody to the complex of first antibody and the antigen of interest.
  • An extremely versatile alternative sandwich assay format includes the use of a solid phase coated with the first partner of a binding pair, e.g. paramagnetic streptavidin- coated microparticles. Such microparticles are mixed and incubated with an analyte-specific binding agent bound to the second partner of the binding pair (e.g. a biotinylated antibody), a sample suspected of comprising or comprising the analyte, wherein said second partner of the binding pair is bound to said analyte-specific binding agent, and a second analyte-specific binding agent which is detectably labeled.
  • an analyte-specific binding agent bound to the second partner of the binding pair e.g. a biotinylated antibody
  • a sample suspected of comprising or comprising the analyte wherein said second partner of the binding pair is bound to said analyte-specific binding agent
  • a second analyte-specific binding agent which is detectably labeled.
  • these components are incubated under appropriate conditions and for a period of time sufficient for binding the labeled antibody via the analyte, the analyte-specific binding agent (bound to) the second partner of the binding pair and the first partner of the binding pair to the solid phase microparticles.
  • assay may include one or more washing step(s).
  • detectably labeled encompasses labels that can be directly or indirectly detected.
  • Directly detectable labels either provide a detectable signal or they interact with a second label to modify the detectable signal provided by the first or second label, e.g. to give FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer).
  • Labels such as fluorescent dyes and luminescent (including chemiluminescent and electrochemiluminescent) dyes (Briggs et al "Synthesis of Functionalised Fluorescent Dyes and Their Coupling to Amines and Amino Acids," J. Chem. Soc., Perkin-Trans. 1 (1997) 1051-1058) provide a detectable signal and are generally applicable for labeling.
  • detectably labeled refers to a label providing or inducible to provide a detectable signal, i.e. to a fluorescent label, to a luminescent label (e.g. a chemiluminescent label or an electrochemiluminescent label), a radioactive label or a metal-chelate based label, respectively.
  • Fluorescent dyes are e.g. described by Briggs et al "Synthesis of Functionalized Fluorescent Dyes and Their Coupling to Amines and Amino Acids," J. Chem. Soc., Perkin-Trans. 1 (1997) 1051-1058).
  • Fluorescent labels or fluorophores include rare earth chelates (europium chelates), fluorescein type labels including FITC, 5-carboxyfluorescein, 6-carboxy fluorescein; rhodamine type labels including TAMRA; dansyl; Lissamine; cyanines; phycoerythrins; Texas Red; and analogs thereof.
  • the fluorescent labels can be conjugated to an aldehyde group comprised in target molecule using the techniques disclosed herein.
  • Fluorescent dyes and fluorescent label reagents include those which are commercially available from Invitrogen/Molecular Probes (Eugene, Oregon, USA) and Pierce Biotechnology, Inc. (Rockford, Ill.).
  • Luminescent dyes or labels can be further subcategorized into chemiluminescent and electrochemiluminescent dyes.
  • chemiluminogenic labels include luminol, acridinium compounds, coelenterazine and analogues, dioxetanes, systems based on peroxy oxalic acid and their derivatives.
  • acridinium based labels are used (a detailed overview is given in Dodeigne C. et al., Talanta 51 (2000) 415-439).
  • Electrochemiluminescense proved to be very useful in analytical applications as a highly sensitive and selective method. It combines analytical advantages of chemiluminescent analysis (absence of background optical signal) with ease of reaction control by applying electrode potential.
  • Ruthenium complexes especially [Ru (Bpy)3]2+ (which releases a photon at -620 nm) regenerating with TPA (Tripropylamine) in liquid phase or liquid-solid interface are used as ECL-labels.
  • Electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assays provide a sensitive and precise measurement of the presence and concentration of an analyte of interest. Such techniques use labels or other reactants that can be induced to luminesce when electrochemically oxidized or reduced in an appropriate chemical environment. Such electrochemiluminescense is triggered by a voltage imposed on a working electrode at a particular time and in a particular manner. The light produced by the label is measured and indicates the presence or quantity of the analyte.
  • ECL Electrochemiluminescent
  • Radioactive labels make use of radioisotopes (radionuclides), such as 3H, 11C, 14C, 18F, 32P, 35S, 64Cu, 68Gn, 86Y, 89Zr, 99TC, l l lln, 1231, 1241, 1251, 1311, 133Xe, 177Lu, 211 At, or 131BL
  • radioisotopes such as 3H, 11C, 14C, 18F, 32P, 35S, 64Cu, 68Gn, 86Y, 89Zr, 99TC, l l lln, 1231, 1241, 1251, 1311, 133Xe, 177Lu, 211 At, or 131BL
  • the present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a patient has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis, comprising a) determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and b) comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • an elevated amount or concentration of SCF in the sample of the patient is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing endometriosis in the patient.
  • an amount or concentration of SCF in the sample of the patient is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing of endometriosis in the patient if the amount or concentration of SCF in the sample of the patient is higher than the amount or concentration of SCF in a reference or reference sample.
  • SCF is detectable in higher amounts in a fluid sample of the patient assessed for the presence or risk of developing endometriosis than in the same fluid sample of individuals not suffering or being at risk of developing endometriosis.
  • the inventors could detect an increase of serum SCF in the early stages of endometriosis, followed by a decrease in the late stages of endometriosis. However, the amount or concentration of SCF at late stages is still higher compared to the control levels.
  • an amount of SCF elevated by 50% or more is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing of endometrioses.
  • an amount of SCF elevated by 100% or more is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing of endometrioses.
  • an amount of SCF elevated by 150% or more is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing of endometrioses.
  • an amount of SCF elevated by 200% or more is indicative of the presence or the risk of developing of endometrioses.
  • the sample of the patient is body fluid sample.
  • the sample is a whole blood, serum or plasma sample.
  • the sample is an in vitro sample, i.e. it will be analyzed in vitro and not transferred back into the body.
  • the patient is a human patient.
  • the patient is a female human patient.
  • the patient is a young or adolescent human female.
  • the endometriosis assessed is selected from the group consisting of stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage III endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage IV endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis assessed is stage I, stage II, stage III, or stage IV endometriosis.
  • endometriosis is early endometriosis, in particular stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging or stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis assessed is stage III or stage IV endometriosis.
  • the endometriosis assessed is selected from the group consisting of peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and adenomyosis.
  • the endometriosis assessed is peritoneal endometriosis of stage I or II according to rASRM staging.
  • the assessment is performed independent of the rASRM staging.
  • the assessment is perfomed without performing laparoscopy.
  • the assessment is performed without assessing the presence or severity of endometriosis in the patient using laparoscopy and/or the rASRM staging.
  • the method of the present invention is an in vitro method.
  • the amount of SCF is determined using antibodies, in particular using monoclonal antibodies.
  • step a) of determining the amount of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises performing an immunoassay.
  • the immunoassay is performed either in a direct or indirect format.
  • such immunoassays is selected from the group consisiting of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), or immuno assays based on detection of luminescence, fluorescence, chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence.
  • step a) of determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises the steps of i) incubating the sample of the patient with one or more antibodies specifically binding to SCF, thereby generating a complex between the antibody and SCF, and ii) quantifying the complex formed in step i), thereby quantifying the amount of SCF in the sample of the patient.
  • step i) the sample is incubated with two antibodies, specifically binding to SCF.
  • the sample can be contacted with the first and the second antibody in any desired order, i.e. first antibody first and then the second antibody or second antibody first andthen the first antibody, or simultaneously, for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a first anti- SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex.
  • the detection of the anti- SCF antibody/ SCF complex can be performed by any appropriate means.
  • the detection of the first anti- SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex can be performed by any appropriate means. The person skilled in the art is absolutely familiar with such means/methods.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, the SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled and wherein the first anti- SCF antibody is capable of binding to a solid phase or is bound to a solid phase.
  • the second antibody is directly or indirectly detectablly labeled.
  • the second antibody is detectably labeled with a luminescent dye, in particular a chemiluminescent dye or an electrochemiluminescent dye.
  • the method further comprising the assessment of the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain in the patient.
  • the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain is assessed according to the VAS scale.
  • dysmenorrhea VAS score of 4 or higher indicated moderate or severe dysmenorrhea.
  • scores of 3 or less indicate no or mild dysmenorrhea.
  • the method further comprising determining the amount or concentration of CA-125.
  • the method comprising calculating a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125, of the amount or concentration of SCF and dysmenorrhea, of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125 and dysmenorrhea, or the amount or concentration of SCF and lower abdominal pain according to the VAS scale.
  • the present invention relates to a method of selecting a patient for therapy of endometriosis, comprising a) determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and b) comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if an elevated amount of SCF in the sample of the patient is determined.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF in the sample of the patient is higher than the amount of SCF in a reference or reference sample.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF is higher in a fluid sample of the patient than in the same fluid sample of individuals not suffering or being at risk of developing endometriosis or not being selected for therapy of endometriosis.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF is elevated by 50% or more.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF is elevated by 100% or more.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF is elevated by 150% or more.
  • a patient is selected for therapy of endometriosis if the amount of SCF is elevated by 200% or more.
  • the patient is selected for a therapy of endometriosis selected from the group consisting of drug-based therapy or surgical therapy.
  • surgical therapy of endometriosis is laparoscopy or nerve-sparing surgery.
  • drug-based therapy of endometriosis is inhibiting or targeting neurogenic inflammation and/or pain medication and/or hormonal therapy (e.g. hormonal contraceptives or GnRH agonists).
  • the sample of the patient is body fluid sample.
  • the sample is a whole blood, serum or plasma sample.
  • the sample is an in vitro sample, i.e. it will be analyzed in vitro and not transferred back into the body.
  • the patient is a human patient. In particular embodiments, the patient is a female human patient.
  • the endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage III endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage IV endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis is stage I, stage II, stage III, or stage IV endometriosis.
  • endometriosis is early endometriosis, in particular stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging or stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis assessed is stage III or stage IV endometriosis.
  • the endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and adenomyosis.
  • the endometriosis assessed is peritoneal endometriosis of stage I or II according to rASRM staging.
  • the method of the present invention is an in vitro method.
  • the amount of SCF is determined using antibodies, in particular using monoclonal antibodies.
  • step a) of determining the amount of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises performing an immunoassay.
  • the immunoassay is performed either in a direct or indirect format.
  • such immunoassays is selected from the group consisiting of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), or immuno assays based on detection of luminescence, fluorescence, chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence.
  • step a) of determining the amount of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises the steps of i) incubating the sample of the patient with one or more antibodies specifically binding to SCF, thereby generating a complex between the antibody and SCF, and ii) quantifying the complex formed in step i), thereby quantifying the amount of SCF in the sample of the patient.
  • step i) the sample is incubated with two antibodies, specifically binding to SCF.
  • the sample can be contacted with the first and the second antibody in any desired order, i.e. first antibody first and then the second antibody or second antibody first and then the first antibody, or simultaneously, for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a first anti- SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex.
  • the detection of the anti- SCF antibody/ SCF complex can be performed by any appropriate means.
  • the detection of the first anti- SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex can be performed by any appropriate means. The person skilled in the art is absolutely familiar with such means/methods.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, the SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled and wherein the first anti- SCF antibody is capable of binding to a solid phase or is bound to a solid phase.
  • the second antibody is directly or indirectly detectablly labeled.
  • the second antibody is detectably labeled with a luminescent dye, in particular a chemiluminescent dye or an electrochemiluminescent dye.
  • the method further comprising the assessment of the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain in the patient.
  • the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain is assessed according to the VAS scale.
  • dysmenorrhea VAS score of 4 or higher indicated moderate or severe dysmenorrhea.
  • scores of 3 or less indicate no or mild dysmenorrhea.
  • the method further comprising determining the amount or concentration of CA-125.
  • the method comprising calculating a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125, of the amount or concentration of SCF and dysmenorrhea, of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125 and dysmenorrhea, or the amount or concentration of SCF and lower abdominal pain according to the VAS scale.
  • the present invention relates to a method of monitoring a patient suffering from endometriosis or being treated for endometriosis, comprising a) determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and b) comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • a patient suffering from endometriosis is monitored to determine if the amount or concentration of SCF is changing over time in a sample of the patient.
  • a patient suffering from endometriosis is monitored to determine if the amount or concentration of SCF is increasing, decreasing or not changing over time.
  • a patient suffering from endometriosis is monitored if an elevated amount of SCF in the sample of the patient is determined.
  • a patient being treated for endometriosis is monitored to determine if the amount or concentration of SCF is changing in a sample of the patient.
  • a patient being treated for endometriosis is monitored to determine if the amount or concentration of SCF is increasing, decreasing or not changing.
  • a patient being treated for endometriosis is monitored to determine if the amount or concentration of SCF is increasing, decreasing or not changing due to the therapy applied.
  • a decreasing amount or concentration of SCF in a patient being treated for endometriosis is indicative of the therapy being effective.
  • an unaltered or increasing amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient being treated for endometriosis is indicative of the therapy being ineffective, i.e. an unaltered or increasing amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient being treated for endometriosis is indicative of persisting or recurring endometriosis.
  • the treatment for endometriosis is ineffective if the amount of SCF is increasing to 50% or more.
  • the treatment for endometriosis is ineffective if the amount of SCF is increasing to 100% or more.
  • the treatment for endometriosis is ineffective if the amount of SCF is increasing to 150% or more.
  • the treatment for endometriosis is ineffective if the amount of SCF is increasing to 200% or more.
  • therapy is adapted if an unaltered or increasing amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient being treated for endometriosis is determined
  • the patient is monitored several times at different time points. In embodiments, the patient is monitored several times within a time frame of weeks, months or years. In particular embodimemts, a patient is monitored is once a months or once a year. In embodiments, a patient suffering from endometriosis is monitored once a months or once a year after diagnosis of endometriosis. In embodiments, a patient being treated for endometriosis is monitored once after therapy, in particular once after surgical therapy. In particular, the patient being treated for endometriosis is monitored once a months or once a year to determine the efficacy of treatment and/or the recurrence of endometriosis.
  • therapy of endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of drug-based therapy or surgical therapy.
  • surgical therapy of endometriosis is laparoscopy or nerve sparing surgery.
  • drug-based therapy of endometriosis is inhibiting or targeting neurogenic inflammation and/or pain medication and/or hormonal therapy.
  • the sample of the patient is body fluid sample.
  • the sample is a whole blood, serum or plasma sample.
  • the sample is an in vitro sample, i.e. it will be analyzed in vitro and not transferred back into the body.
  • the patient is a human patient.
  • the patient is a female human patient.
  • the patient is a young or adolescent human female.
  • the endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage III endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage IV endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis is stage I, stage II, stage III, or stage IV endometriosis.
  • endometriosis is early endometriosis, in particular stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging or stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • the endometriosis assessed is stage III or stage IV endometriosis.
  • the endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and adenomyosis.
  • the endometriosis assessed is peritoneal endometriosis of atge I or II according to rASRM staging.
  • the method of the present invention is an in vitro method.
  • the amount of SCF is determined using antibodies, in particular using monoclonal antibodies.
  • step a) of determining the amount of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises performing an immunoassay.
  • the immunoassay is performed either in a direct or indirect format.
  • such immunoassays is selected from the group consisiting of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme immunoassay (EIA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), or immuno assays based on detection of luminescence, fluorescence, chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence.
  • step a) of determining the amount of SCF in a sample of the patient comprises the steps of i) incubating the sample of the patient with one or more antibodies specifically binding to SCF, thereby generating a complex between the antibody and SCF, and ii) quantifying the complex formed in step i), thereby quantifying the amount of SCF in the sample of the patient.
  • step i) the sample is incubated with two antibodies, specifically binding to SCF.
  • the sample can be contacted with the first and the second antibody in any desired order, i.e. first antibody first and then the second antibody or second antibody first and then the first antibody, or simultaneously, for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a first anti- SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex.
  • the detection of the anti- SCF antibody/ SCF complex can be performed by any appropriate means.
  • the detection of the first anti-SCF antibody/ SCF/second anti- SCF antibody complex can be performed by any appropriate means.
  • the person skilled in the art is absolutely familiar with such means/methods.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled.
  • a sandwich will be formed comprising a first antibody to SCF, the SCF (analyte) and the second antibody to SCF, wherein the second antibody is detectably labeled and wherein the first anti- SCF antibody is capable of binding to a solid phase or is bound to a solid phase.
  • the second antibody is directly or indirectly detectablly labeled.
  • the second antibody is detectably labeled with a luminescent dye, in particular a chemiluminescent dye or an electrochemiluminescent dye.
  • the method further comprises the assessment of the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain in the patient.
  • the presence of dysmenorrhea and/or lower abdominal pain is assessed according to the VAS scale.
  • dysmenorrhea VAS score of 4 or higher indicated moderate or severe dysmenorrhea.
  • scores of 3 or less indicate no or mild dysmenorrhea.
  • the method further comprises determining the amount or concentration of CA-125.
  • the method comprises calculating a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125, of the amount or concentration of SCF and dysmenorrhea, of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125 and dysmenorrhea, or the amount or concentration of SCF and lower abdominal pain according to the VAS scale.
  • the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for assessing a patient with suspected endometriosis comprising the steps of:
  • step (e) assessing said subject based on the comparison and/or the calculation made in step (d).
  • the term “computer-implemented” as used herein means that the method is carried out in an automated fashion on a data processing unit which is, typically, comprised in a computer or similar data processing device.
  • the data processing unit shall receive values for the amount of the biomarkers. Such values can be the amounts, relative amounts or any other calculated value reflecting the amount as described elsewhere herein in detail. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the aforementioned method does not require the determination of amounts for the biomarkers but rather uses values for already predetermined amounts.
  • the present invention also, in principle, contemplates a computer program, computer program product or computer readable storage medium having tangibly embedded said computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions which, when run on a data processing device or computer, carry out the method of the present invention as specified above.
  • the present disclosure further encompasses: a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, a computer loadable data structure that is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the data structure is being executed on a computer, a computer script, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the program is being executed on a computer, a computer program comprising program means for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network, a computer program comprising program means according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the program means are stored on a storage medium readable to a computer, a storage medium, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description after having been loaded into a main and/or working storage of
  • Method of assessing wether a patient has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • Method of selecting a patient for therapy (in particular drug-based therapy or surgical therapy (laparoscopy) of endometriosis comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • Method of monitoring a patient suffering from endometriosis or being treated for endometriosis comprising determining the amount or concentration of SCF in a sample of the patient, and comparing the determined amount or concentration to a reference.
  • endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage III endometriosis according to rASRM staging, stage IV endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • endometriosis is early endometriosis, in particular stage I endometriosis according to rASRM staging or stage II endometriosis according to rASRM staging.
  • endometriosis is selected from the group consisting of peritoneal endometriosis, endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
  • the method of claims 1 or 14, comprising calculating a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125, or a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and dysmenorrhea, or a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and the amount or concentration of CA-125 and dysmenorrhea, or a ratio of the amount or concentration of SCF and lower abdominal pain according to the VAS scale.
  • a computer-implemented method for assessing a patient with suspected endometriosis comprising the steps of:
  • step (e) assessing said subject based on the comparison and/or the calculation made in step (d).
  • Example 1 Diagnostic performance of biomarker SCF and biomarker combinations in women with endometriosis and controls
  • the concentration of the analytes was determined by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
  • the case group is comprised of patients diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis (rASRM stages I-IV) diagnosed by laparoscopic visualization with subsequent histological confirmation and the control group including healthy women without endometriosis.
  • the concentration of SCF in human serum was determined using the Human SCF ELISA kit Ver.2 from Merck/Sigma- Aldrich (catalogue number: RAB1652).
  • the kit utilizes the quantitative sandwich ELISA technique.
  • Microtiter plates are pre-coated with a monoclonal antibody specific for human SCF. Samples are measured in 50- fold dilution. After bringing all reagents to room temperature 100 pL of each sample and standard are added. Samples are measured in singlicates, standards in duplicates. During 2.5 hrs incubation at room temperature on a microplate shaker set to 650 rpm, any SCF present is bound to the immobilized capture antibody on the microtiter plate.
  • the calibration range of the assay is 6.14 pg/mL to 1500 pg/mL.
  • Calibrator 7 (1500 pg/mL) is prepared by 6-fold dilution of stock solution in calibrator diluent and calibrator 6 to calibrator 1 (6.14 pg/mL) are prepared by serial 2.5-fold dilution steps in calibrator diluent. Pure calibrator diluent serves as blank (0 pg/mL).
  • the calibration curves were fitted using a 4-parameter nonlinear regression (Newton/Raphson) with no weighting.
  • the concentration of CA-125 was determined by a cobas e 601 analyzer. Detection of CA 125 II with a cobas e 601 analyzer is based on the Elecsys® Electro- ChemiLuminescence (ECL) technology.
  • ECL Electro- ChemiLuminescence
  • biotin-labelled and ruthenium- labelled antibodies are combined with the respective amount of undiluted sample and incubated on the analyzer.
  • streptavidin-coated magnetic microparticles are added and incubated on the instrument in order to facilitate binding of the biotin-labelled immunological complexes. After this incubation step the reaction mixture is transferred into the measuring cell where the beads are magnetically captured on the surface of an electrode.
  • ProCell M Buffer containing tripropylamine (TP A) for the subsequent ECL reaction is then introduced into the measuring cell in order to separate bound immunoassay complexes from the free remaining particles.
  • Induction of voltage between the working and the counter electrode then initiates the reaction leading to emission of photons by the ruthenium complexes as well as TPA.
  • the resulting electrochemiluminescent signal is recorded by a photomultiplier and converted into numeric values indicating concentration level of the respective analyte.
  • Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were generated (see Fig. 1 for single biomarkers and Fig. 2 for biomarker combinations). The model performance is determined by looking at the area under the curve (AUC). The best possible AUC is 1 while the lowest possible is 0.5. Optimal cut-offs were selected using Youden’s index (maximized sum of sensitivity plus specificity - 1).
  • Table 1 Diagnostic performance of biomarker SCF and biomarker combinations in women with endometriosis and controls
  • AUC plots a cut-off for the combination of the different biomarker was applied to predict endometriosis based on multivariable logistic regression analysis and Youden’s index.
  • the values of parameters a and b vary depending on the analytes and clinical symptom included in the multivariate analysis, respectively.
  • Box plots (see Fig. 3) were generated for endometriosis cases/controls and endometriosis cases Gl/2 (Stage I-II)/ endometriosis cases G3-4 (Stage III- IV)/controls.
  • the data are presented using box and whisker plots, including the median (middle quartile), the inter-quartile range (which represents the middle 50% of scores for the group), the upper quartile (75% of scores fall below the upper quartile), the lower quartile (25% of scores fall below the lower quartile).
  • the whiskers show the 5th percentile and the 95th percentile, respectively.
  • Box plots were also generated for controls and for each of the endometriosis Stages (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV) using the data from the OLINK analysis.
  • the data are presented using box and whisker plots, including the median (middle quartile), the inter-quartile range (which represents the middle 50% of scores for the group), the upper quartile (75% of scores fall below the upper quartile), the lower quartile (25% of scores fall below the lower quartile).
  • the whiskers show the 5th percentile and the 95th percentile, respectively.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des méthodes permettant d'évaluer si une patiente est atteinte d'endométriose ou risque de développer une endométriose, des méthodes permettant de sélectionner une patiente pour une thérapie, et une méthode de surveillance d'une patiente souffrant d'endométriose ou traitée pour une endométriose en déterminant la quantité ou la concentration de SCF dans un échantillon de la patiente, et en comparant la quantité ou la concentration déterminée à une référence.
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