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Updated: May 17, 2026
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Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in tumor diagnostics and prognostics.
Cornelia Hömig-Hölzel1, Suvi Savola
1MRC-Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) offers a reliable, cost-effective method for detecting genetic alterations in cancer. This technique analyzes gene copy number, DNA methylation, and mutations, aiding tumor diagnostics and research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Advances in understanding cancer genetics necessitate sensitive, multiplex detection methods for pathology.
- Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a key technique for analyzing molecular genetic alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of MLPA in tumor diagnostics and cancer research.
- To highlight the advantages, potential pitfalls, and limitations of MLPA for analyzing tumor DNA.
Main Methods:
- MLPA is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based method.
- It simultaneously detects gene copy number status, DNA methylation, and point mutations.
- Probes target short DNA sequences (50-100 nucleotides), enabling analysis of fragmented DNA and small deletions.
Main Results:
- MLPA is reliable, cost-effective, and robust, providing results within 24 hours.
- It can test up to 50 genomic locations per reaction, sufficient for clinically significant alterations.
- Successful applications in tumor diagnostics and cancer research have been documented.
Conclusions:
- MLPA is a valuable tool for detecting clinically significant genetic alterations in various tumor types.
- The technique's ability to analyze multiple targets, even on fragmented DNA, makes it suitable for pathology.
- This review provides insights into MLPA's utility and considerations for its use in cancer studies.
