Since the number of circulating tumor cells in blood of breast cancer patients is low, it is necessary to develop sensitive detection techniques. Using real-time PCR, gene expression of ER, HER2, and PTPRC in different cell lines was demonstrated at a range as low as 10-50 cells with a sensitivity of >70%. Pre-amplification of cDNA further increased detection sensitivity of real-time PCR. This methodology can now be used for characterization of circulating tumor cells as well as to analyze gene expression of other clinically important breast cancer markers.
«Since the number of circulating tumor cells in blood of breast cancer patients is low, it is necessary to develop sensitive detection techniques. Using real-time PCR, gene expression of ER, HER2, and PTPRC in different cell lines was demonstrated at a range as low as 10-50 cells with a sensitivity of >70%. Pre-amplification of cDNA further increased detection sensitivity of real-time PCR. This methodology can now be used for characterization of circulating tumor cells as well as to analyze gene...
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