title: Laser microdissection and microsatellite analysis of colorectal adenocarcinomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important marker in colorectal cancer. The analysis may be difficult if the tumour is heterogeneous or only scarce material is available. The aim of this study was to apply laser microdissection (LMD) to MSI analysis in an attempt to allow diagnosis in these situations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two primary tumours and eight lymph node metastases from twenty patients were laser microdissected and MSI analysis was performed with an optimised multiplex PCR. Differences in allelic size between tumour and blood were evaluated to determine the MSI status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The method proved efficient in as little as 4,000 microm3 formalin-treated and paraffin-embedded tumour tissue. The result of microsatellite analysis was independent of sample location in the primary tumour and its metastasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LMD followed by a multiplex PCR is a useful method for MSI analysis in cases of tumour heterogeneity and scarce tumour material.
authors.affiliation: Danish Colorectal Cancer Group South, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark. laheje@vgs.vejleamt.dk
authors.forename: Lars Henrik
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Dorthe G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Cruger
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindebjerg
authors.forename: Lene
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Byriel
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bruun-Petersen
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jakobsen
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D042282:Microdissection; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D005557:Formaldehyde