Panel Profiles Cancer Progression

TissueScan is an RT-PCR based system for fast and accurate gene expression profiling across a large number of cancer patient samples. High-quality cDNAs were prepared from 48 well-documented cancer biopsy samples, normalized and assembled into ready-to-use gene expression panels. This alleviates the work of large sample collection and the meticulous work of RNA/cDNA preparation, while facilitating quick and reliable profiling of gene expression levels across cancer progression stages. TissueScan combines the high sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR methodology with a well-designed multi-sample format. It is an excellent tool for validation of potential cancer markers such as those obtained by microarray or differential display. Expression levels in normal and cancerous tissues yield the first clue for the function of a gene. Differentially expressed genes are intensely studied by cancer researchers for their potential value as diagnostic or/and therapeutic targets. The application of microarray technology has produced a large number of such candidate genes. Yet as a hybridization-based technology, microarray has limitations on its sensitivity and specificity. Also, the data generated through pair-wise differential screening need to be validated in larger, independent sample pools. To weed out false targets and to narrow the scope for further research, researchers await an innovation.