Molecular Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

摘要: Patients with advanced stages of head and neck cancer frequently develop locoregional recurrence as well distant metastases. These data indicate that traditional diagnostic methods such histopathology radiology are not sensitive enough to detect the small numbers tumor cells which left behind, defined minimal residual disease (MRD). Sensitive assays based on molecular markers appear be powerful tools improve staging these patients. At DNA level, tumor-specific p53 mutations seem have great potential for detection “occult” at surgical margins lymph nodes. RNA level HNSCC associated antigens like E48 antigen, allow rare in blood bone marrow and, it is hoped, also nodes node aspirates. However, used MRD subject certain (technical) problems affect their sensitivity specificity. In this paper we will present examples plaque assay using RT-PCR, show use cervical addition, discuss pitfalls techniques.