Abstract 3067: Improved detection of BRAF mutation in clinical samples using PNA-mediated real-time PCR clamping techniques

Abstract

Abstract The BRAF mutation is a somatic mutation with the highest pathogenic cancer-associated prevalence and a biomarker used for detecting cancer and monitoring prognosis of cancer patients. Usually, mutation in the Exon15 codons V600E mutation (1799 T>A) represent more than 90% of BRAF mutations. However, techniques using PCR and direct sequencing have limitations and are unable to detect low-level mutations in cancers to give false negative diagnoses. We have developed a highly sensitive and simple method for detecting BRAF mutations using PNA-mediated real-time PCR clamping, PNAClampTM. PNAClampTM method is a simple, reliable and sensitive method with a detection limit of approximately 0.1% mutant alleles. The turnaround time for this method was only 2 hours. The method was utilized to detect BRAF mutations in fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. V600E mutation was detected in 62% (52/84) of the FNAB specimens in the PTC samples, 10% higher rate compare with PCR and direct sequencing methods. In this report, we will discuss the results of clinical studies in detail including the comparison data. In summary, PNAClampTM method can serve a rapid, reliable, and economical alternative for BRAF mutation detection in clinical settings. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3067. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3067