Early cancer detection by microsatellite marker analysis

A major goal of tumor biology has been the development of tumor markers that are useful for the diagnosis and management of cancer. A drawback associated with many of these markers is that they are not unique to tumor cells, but rather are normal or developmental antigens which are overexpressed in tumor tissue Therefore, determination of possible malignancy is based on a designated expression level rather than a clear-cut difference. Studies have shown that DNA from tumor cells has a pattern of chromosomal deletion clearly distinguishable from normal cell DNA, and more importantly, DNA from tumor cells can be detected in the serum of cancer patients. Particular chromosomal deletion patterns are associated with specific tumor types. It is hypothesized that individuals at risk for certain genetically well-characterized cancers, could be successfully screened for those cancers by a PCR-based blood test. In this way, neoplasia could be detected at earlier, more treatable stages of development.