Non invasive cell sampling techniques increase compliance of patients and thus result in earlier detection of cancer.
Molecular markers allow definite diagnosis and histogenetic classification of single tumor cells.
Any specific molecular alteration of a cancer cell either DNA-, RNA or on the protein level can be referred to as molecular marker, possibly providing a reasonable target for single cell cancer diagnosis. Proof of genetic alterations of tumor genes regularly means proof of the presence of tumor cells. Molecular markers on single cells are not sufficiently valid for grading tumor-malignancy due to tumor heterogeneity. Image analysis and cytometry allow an objective and reproducible cancer diagnosis on single cells. Single cell cancer diagnosis allows earlier diagnosis and therapy and thus definite cure.