Why Do RT-PCR Results Differ?
The issue of whether RT-PCR can be used as a staging tool in prostate cancer prior to treatment has been the focus of over two dozen publications. Results of studies were initially encouraging but subsequently disappointing. At present, the overwhelming consensus is that this molecular test should not be used currently for clinical management. Yet, in the hands of the Columbia group, the results continue to look promising. This begs the question of why; what is different between this group and nearly every other site engaged in similar studies? The answer, quite simply, is unknown. An exhaustive review by two members of our group examined the num- erous technical differences that exist among investigators who have reported RT-PCR results.[1] To my knowledge, there is not a pair of investigators among the major groups who are using identical techniques encompassing all aspects of the method from specimen acquisition to verification of product. Because of this tremendous variability, elu
