Relative quantification of Cytokeratin 20 on the LightCycler Instrument An innovation providing new insights into the detection of micrometastases in research samples

摘要

This study describes the new LightCycler-CK20 Quantification Kit that may prove a valuable tool for micrometastases detection in research applications. The assay is quantitative, rapid, convenient-to-use, flexible, specific, sensitive and amenable to large-scale routine analysis. A PCR quantification model is used that maximises reproducibility and provides a platform for standardisation across laboratories. This assay provides a more informative analysis and may help to unravel reasons behind discrepancies between studies on micrometastases detection. Such a standardised, quantitative assay amenable to large scale analysis potentially opens the possibility to determine thresholds for background expression and investigate the potential significance of measuring tumor load. Further intensive studies are required to clarify this potential.