Optical technology in the next generation of solid-tumor cancer diagnostics

Summary form only given. Laser Capture Microdissection allows routine isolation of specific cancer and premalignant cells from biopsy or cytology specimens for subsequent optical-based molecular characterization of specific mutations, alterations in gene expression, and post-transcriptional modification of proteins. The next generation of solid tumor diagnostics require a rapid integration of current research into critical molecular events which drive the progression of pathologic lesions. With PCR, microhybridization arrays and mutation screening methods utilizing sensitive fluorescent high affinity ligands, the researcher can extract DNA or RNA from tissue biopsies and analyze a parallel panel of hundreds or even thousands of genetic markers. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) has been developed to provide a rapid, reliable method of procuring pure populations of cancer cells from specific microscopic regions of biopsy or exfoliated cell cytology for subsequent quantitative, multiplex molecular analysis.