Molecular detection of cancer cells by RT-PCR

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1.We analyzed the mRNA expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), estrogen receptor (ER) and MAGE in tumor and normal epithelial tissues by means of PT-PCR.CEA was detectable in almost all tumor and normal epithelial tissues. ER was detectable in 1/3 of the samples. MAGE was not expressed in normal epithelial tissues, but was expressed in 10-60% tumor tissues. The results indicated that the best target gene was CEA.2.The positive detection rate increased from 20% by histologic examination to 60% by RT-PCR.The recurrence rate was 35% in 37 cases showing positive results in both examinations, 8% in 47 cases showing histologically negative but RT-PCR positive results, and none in 18 cases showing negative results in both examinations.3.The positive detection rate for CEA mRNA in peripheral blood samples increased with advancing stage of disease. With respect to 62 curatively operated cases, CEA mRNA was detected in 12 cases. Four of these 12 cases developed metastatic disease after surgery whereas none of 50 cases negative by RT-PCR developed metastasis.4.It has been shown that RT-PCR is a powerful tool to detect CEA mRNA in the lymph nodes or the peripheral blood. This is potentially very useful to determine high-risk patients for metastasis.