Analysis of mutations in DNA isolated from plasma and stool of colorectal cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Somatic mutations provide uniquely specific markers for the early detection of neoplasia that can be detected in DNA purified from plasma or stool of patients with colorectal cancer. The primary purpose of the present investigation was to determine the parameters that were critical for detecting mutations using a quantitative assay. A secondary purpose was to compare the results of plasma and stool DNA testing using the same technology.

Methods

We examined DNA purified from the stool of 25 patients with colorectal cancers before surgery. In 16 of these cases, plasma samples also were available. Mutations in stool or plasma were assessed with an improved version of the BEAMing technology.

Results

Of the 25 stool DNA samples analyzed, 23 (92%) containe

SUBMITTER: Diehl F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2820386 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature