Detection of tumor-derived antigen receptor DNA by polymerase chain reaction in the serum of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Tumor-derived DNA is detectable in the serum of patients. In this study, tumor derived and mononuculear cell DNA from 50 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed using polyacrylamide electrophoressis and Genescan analysis. DNA was demonstrated in 86% of serum samples. Genescan analysis has significantly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of detection of tumor-derived DNA.