Detection of Meningeosis neoplastica by real-time quantitation of telomerase activity.
BACKGROUND
Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to discriminate between benign and malignant conditions is of fundamental importance for the physician and the patient because of the differential therapeutic options and resulting morbidity and mortality. Most human tumours demonstrate increased telomerase activity (TA). Recent technical advances in the detection of TA allow for sensitive and specific detection within 4 h. Thus, the detection of TA is suitable for routine clinical testing.


METHODS
This study examines TA in cellular proteins in CSF from 111 patients compared to cytomorphological and laboratory examination.


RESULTS
A positive result for TA in cellular proteins of CSF was correlated significantly with Meningeosis neoplastica, but not with non-malignant conditions. Telomerase was not detected in CSF supernatant, despite positive results in cellular proteins from identical patients. Furthermore, a 48-h time delay during the pre-analytic processing is not critical for detection of TA detection in native CSF when stored at room temperature.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that TA is a promising marker for the detection of Meningeosis neoplastica and warrants further study.
Assmann
Gunter
G
Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinikum Homburg, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Werner
Christian
C
Herrmann
Markus
M
Momber
Dunja
D
Krenn
Thomas
T
Lothschütz
Daniela
D
Fischer
Lars
L
Hess
Sandra
S
Ketter
Ralf
R
Feiden
Wolfgang
W
Jung
Stefan
S
Herrmann
Wolfgang
W
Schubert
Jörg
J
Pfreundschuh
Michael
M
Widmann
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019098:Telomerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D019098:Telomerase