Digital PCR for the Analysis of Copy Number Variation in Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND

(v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) is one of the most frequently amplified genes in lung tumors. For the analysis of gene copy number variations, dPCR (digital PCR) is an appropriate tool. The aim of our study was the assessment of dPCR for the detection of copy number variations (CNV) in lung tissue considering clinicopathological parameters. . status was analyzed with dPCR as well as qPCR (quantitative PCR) using gDNA (genomic DNA) from tumor and adjacent nontumor tissue samples of lung cancer patients. The performance of was estimated based on the AUC (area under curve).

RESULTS

The results of the amplification correlated significantly between dPCR and qPCR ( = 0.81, < 0.0001). The copy number revealed by dPCR showed statistically significant differences between tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. For discrimination, a sensitivity of 43% and a specificity of 99% were calculated, representing 55 true-positive and one false-positive tests. No statistically significant differences could be observed for age, sex, and smoking status or the clinicopathological parameters (histological subtype, grade, and stage).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study show that dPCR is an accurate and reliable method for the determination of copy numbers. The application is characterized by high specificity and moderate sensitivity. amplification is a common event in lung cancer patients, and it is indicated that the determination of the status might be useful in clinical diagnostics.