If molecular biology is so advanced today, it is in great part due to Kary Mullis Nobel prize-winning polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology discovered in the 80'. Almost 30 years later, PCR is the most commonly used method to amplify specific sequences of DNA (and sometimes RNA) for various purposes, in particular to identify a variety of cancers.
Multiple Uses
Digital PCR has revolutionized the analysis of gene expression. Today, through the use of a machine like the Naica System Workflow by Stilla Technologies, an easy-to-use and integrated solution, laboratories around the world can do a complete analysis within 2 hours and 30 minutes. By using a unique 3-color detection process, researchers, scientists and doctors can analyze the data through software which automatically measures the concentrations of targeted nucleic acids.
This analysis can be used for such different fields as gene-mapping, DNA fingerprinting, detecting bacterial/viral infections, or studying genetic disorders. It also serves, as we'll explain more below, in detecting and helping in the choice of therapy for cancer patients. PCR has become the standard for molecular biologists who benefit from its sensitivity and specificity.
PCR Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Therapy
In the treatment of cancer, time is of the essence. The earlier you identify and start treating a cancer, the greater the chances the patient will be cured. If an oncogeneticist has to wait for the results of a tissue biopsy to make a decision on a treatment, this will affect the patient's health. Today, with the PCR solution, the results can be produced within 3 hours. This early availability of biomarkers data in the process helps doctors to review cases efficiently and start treatment rapidly.
Thanks to the technology of droplet digital PCR, doctors can accurately and rapidly analyze cell-free circulating DNA with high sensitivity, at a low cost. It is the most sensitive and fastest test for studying somatic mutations, important biomarkers and genetic variations related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Only once you have this information is it possible to determine targeted therapy for the patient.
Other Fields Where the Technology Can Be Applied
PCR is used to quantify β-cell death in type 1 diabetes by evaluating the level of unmethylated DNA. It is also becoming more and more important in the field of organ transplant as it helps to reduce the risk of graft rejection, by monitoring circulating DNA level of the transplanted organ. Let's not forget its capacity to identify infectious diseases, which helped creating the first test to identify patients infected with the coronavirus.
