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.
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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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