[Polymerase chain reaction in the urinary diagnosis of bladder cancer].

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive and specific method for the detection of genetic material. Over the last few years, this method has been used increasingly for the molecular detection of disease. This report demonstrates the use of PCR in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The principles of the method are shown by describing the detection of p53, CD44 and telomerase, as well as in microsatellite analysis.