title: Quantitative PCR of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene using genomic DNA.
abstract: Techniques currently available enable the detection of clonal rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene using fluorescent PCR technology. It is possible to use this technique to analyse minimal residual disease throughout patient treatment: however, without the development of a quantitative assay, only the presence or absence of a clonal population can be determined. We describe here the development of a quantitative competitive PCR technique using genomic DNA which enables the rate of clearance of disease to be measured. In future, the ability to detect and also quantitate minimal residual disease may enhance the application of molecular investigations in the clinical management of patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Leeds General Infirmary.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Elsworth
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Kinsey
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Shiach
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D015326:Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000175:diagnosis; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D004247:DNA