Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) machine is used in wide range of modern molecular based tests in cancer research in fields such as pathology, oncology, haemathology and pharmacology. The IQ-5 Real Time PCR Detection System purchased for the IMVS enables this department to continue to perform modern molecular DNA tests in researching colon cancer. The purchase of this machine has significantly enhanced the research being conducted in this laboratory, particularly in the study of gene expression.

Dr. Maria Caruso, Research Associate,
Gastroenterology Research Laboratory, IMVS.

Real-time, quantitative PCR applications include gene expression and pathogen detection. Real-time PCR is able to detect sequence-specific PCR products as they accumulate in "real-time" during the PCR amplification process. As the PCR product of interest is produced, real-time PCR can detect their accumulation and quantify the number of substrates present in the initial PCR mixture before amplification began.

The most recent project which we are conducting and which requires RT-PCR machine is an investigation into the novel precursor lesions of colon cancer.

The hyperplasic like polyps have been traditionally regarded as non-neoplasic, benign growths which do not progress to cancer. However, significant proportion of these lesions may progress to cancer and this is not widely recognised in the medical community. We looked at gene expression using microarray technique and selected several genes which are over-expressed in proportion of polyps suspected to act as precursors of colon cancer. Now we are at the validation step which is necessary to confirm are findings and which requires RT-PCR machine. When this is done and "molecular signature" of "bad" polyps is established, then a DNA test performed with RT-PCR machine will be able to identify patients with increased risk of developing colon cancer prompting active patient management.