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Related Experiment Videos

Telomerase detection in body fluids.

Jennifer L Hess1, W Edward Highsmith

  • 1Program in Human Genetics, University of Maryland at Baltimore, 737 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Clinical Chemistry
|December 26, 2001
PubMed
Summary
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Telomerase activity in body fluids, detected by the telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay, shows promise as a sensitive cancer marker. Combining this with conventional cytology may improve cancer detection and treatment success rates.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein, maintains telomere length and is typically inactive in nonmalignant cells.
  • Telomerase activation is a hallmark of most human cancers.
  • Measuring telomerase activity in accessible body fluids offers potential as a cancer biomarker.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review studies assaying telomerase activity in body fluids.
  • To evaluate telomerase activity as a potential cancer marker.
  • To compare telomerase assay sensitivity with conventional cytology.

Main Methods:

  • The telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay was used to measure telomerase activity.
  • Assays were performed on various body fluids, including ascites, pleural effusions, urine, and plasma.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Data from studies utilizing the TRAP assay were reviewed.

    • Main Results:

    • Telomerase activity was detected in numerous body fluids.
    • As a tumor marker, telomerase activity demonstrated sensitivities of 60-90% and specificities of approximately 90%.
    • Telomerase activity assays were more sensitive than conventional cytology (40-65% sensitivity).

    Conclusions:

    • Telomerase activity in body fluids, measured by the TRAP assay, is a sensitive indicator for cancer detection.
    • This method shows potential for improving cancer detection rates.
    • Combining telomerase activity measurement with conventional cytology may enhance cancer treatment outcomes.