Molecular markers detecting circulating melanoma cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction: methodological pitfalls and clinical relevance.
Herein, we expound the theory of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) and their detection with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as a molecular staging approach. We discuss the molecular markers that have been used for CMC detection focusing on the use of these markers for multiplex detection analysis. Finally, we comment on the contradictory data of CMC detection studies in the literature and we propose possible solutions which may contribute to the clinical significance of CMC detection in patient management.
Nezos
Adrianos
A
Department of Experimental Physiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Lembessis
Peter
P
Sourla
Antigone
A
Pissimissis
Nikolaos
N
Gogas
Helen
H
Koutsilieris
Michael
M
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor