Biomarker Discovery for Colon Cancer Using a 761 Gene RT-PCR Assay
Author Information
Author(s): Clark-Langone Kim M, Wu Jenny Y, Sangli Chithra, Chen Angela, Snable James L, Nguyen Anhthu, Hackett James R, Baker Joffre, Yothers Greg, Kim Chungyeul, Cronin Maureen T
Primary Institution: Genomic Health, Inc.
Hypothesis
Can a high throughput RT-PCR assay identify biomarkers for prognosis and prediction in colon cancer?
Conclusion
The study developed a precise multi-analyte gene expression platform for biomarker discovery in colon cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The study successfully scaled RT-PCR to analyze 761 genes.
- Approximately 19% of the genes tested showed significant correlation with recurrence-free interval.
- The method maintained high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Takeaway
Researchers created a test to find important genes that can help predict how colon cancer will behave in patients.
Methodology
RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from 354 patients, and a multiplexed RT-PCR was performed using a gene-specific primer pool of 761 unique primers.
Potential Biases
Potential for false positives among the identified biomarkers due to the nature of the study design.
Limitations
The study had a high exclusion rate of samples due to RNA quality issues, particularly from older tissue blocks.
Participant Demographics
Patients enrolled in NSABP C-01 and C-02 colon cancer studies between 1977 and 1983.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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