An evaluation of molecular markers for improved detection of breast cancer metastases in sentinel nodes.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

In patients with breast cancer (BC), the sentinel node (SN) is the first node in the axillary basin that receives the primary lymphatic flow and can be used to accurately assess the axillary nodal status without removal of the axillary contents. Currently, histology and/or immunohistochemistry are the routine methods of SN analysis. The primary objective of this study was to develop a reproducible reverse transcription (RT) PCR assay, with emphasis on achieving high specificity for accurate detection of BC micrometastases in the SN. To correct for the heterogeneity of BC cells, a multimarker approach was followed, with the further aim of improving the detection rate of the assay.

Methods

In total, 73 markers were evaluated, of which 7 were breast ep

SUBMITTER: Abdul-Rasool S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1860352 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature