Based on the title, one would think that this patent covers global use of PCR amplifying for CD133 transcripts in order to detect angiogenic propensity in a host. If this were the case, then the patent indeed would be very strong.
The patent, however, is restricted to covering the diagnosis of colorectal cancer using PCR amplification of CD133 transcripts in peripheral blood.
This approach seems interesting since it is non-invasive and conceptually would allow one to "play around" with angiogenic modulators, and test the activity on circulating angiogenic precursors, BEFORE the tumor angiogenesis has progressed to the point where the tumor's actual clinical effects are felt.
View this patent on the USPTO website.
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