[The detection of breast carcinoma micrometastases in axillary lymph nodes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction].
OBJECTIVE
To detect tumor micrometastases in axillary lymph nodes of breast carcinoma so as to obtain more reliable information about nodes status and its clinical significance.


METHODS
The expression of CK19 mRNA was measured in 61 axillary lymph nodes (LNs) of 15 breast carcinomas by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
CK19 mRNA expression was detected in all 15 breast carcinomas, but not in 5 control LNs. Of 61 axillary LNs analysed by HE staining and CK19 RT-PCR, 7 LNs were found to have metastases by histological staining and CK19 RT-PCR. Of the remaining 54 axillary nodes, 12 were found to have metastases by using CK19 RT-PCR method.


CONCLUSIONS
The CK19 RT-PCR method is more sensitive than histological study for the detection of micrometastases in LNs (P < 0.01). This new method is of value in differentiating breast cancer patients at high risk for relapse from those with negative lymph node.
Zhang
Q
Q
Department of Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200092.
Zhang
Y
Y
Gu
X
X
Zhang
M
M
Lin
H
H
Qian
H
H
D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000235:genetics; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D007633:Keratins