The main strategy used for the detection of circulating @entity5 cells (CTC) and micrometastases in solid @entity5 is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of tissue specific messenger RNA present in the @entity5 cells. PCR was more sensitive than conventional techniques, allowing the identification of one @entity5 cell diluted into 1 mL of blood. PCR was shown to be specific in most studies related to the detection of CTC and marrow micrometastases in @entity320 and @entity263 ( @entity263 ). PCR positivity for thyroid markers was reported in the blood of control subjects. Large variations in the PCR positivity rates and the prognostic value of these assays have been encountered in @entity263 and @entity320 . There was a correlation between PCR and stage in some but not all the studies. Despite these discrepancies, many investigators have shown PCR to be predictive of outcome in @entity263 and especially in @entity320 . PCR in blood and bone marrow was an independent predictor of overall and disease-free survival in @entity320 @entity1 rendered surgically free of disease. These tests may help better stratify @entity1 for radical surgeries and adjuvant therapy. Large prospective and interlaboratory studies are needed to confirm the accuracy and prognostic value of these assays.

Review: polymerase chain reaction detection of micrometastases and circulating @entity5 cells: application to XXXX , prostate, and thyroid carcinomas.

@entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumor', 'tumors'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity263 :: ('MESH:D011471', 'Disease') :: ['PC', 'prostate carcinoma'] @entity320 :: ('MESH:D008545', 'Disease') :: ['melanoma']
@entity320 :: (MESH:D008545,Disease) :: ['melanoma']
