NIH, National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) NIH - National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute DCTD - Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Simplified procedures for applying the polymerase chain reaction to routinely fixed paraffin wax sections.

Author(s): Coates PJ, d'Ardenne AJ, Khan G, Kangro HO, Slavin G

Publication: J Clin Pathol, 1991, Vol. 44, Page 115-8

PubMed ID: 1650795 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

The purpose of this paper was to optimize DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and evaluate PCR amplification efficiency for differentially sized products.

Conclusion of Paper

PCR amplification of DNA extracted from FFPE specimens was contingent on the length of the amplicon generated, with longer amplicons displaying a reduced success rate. The thickness and quantity of paraffin sections used as starting material, and inclusion or exclusion of a separate deparaffinization step did not affect PCR amplification; therefore, the authors conclude that deparaffinization is not required for successful PCR analysis of FFPE specimens.

Studies

  1. Study Purpose

    The purpose of this study was to compare PCR efficiency for different size amplicons when varying the number and thickness of paraffin sections used for DNA extraction, and inclusion of a deparaffinization step.

    Summary of Findings:

    PCR amplification (at 50 cycles) of the 110 bp beta-globin fragment was successful in 100% of FFPE specimens, while the 355 bp fragment was amplified in 88% of specimens. PCR performance was not affected by the size or quantity of paraffin sections or whether a separate deparaffinization step was performed. PCR amplification of a 153 bp Epstein Barr virus fragment was successful in all 9 FFPE specimens examined.

    Biospecimens
    Preservative Types
    • Formalin
    Diagnoses:
    • Neoplastic - Carcinoma
    Platform:
    AnalyteTechnology Platform
    DNA PCR
    Pre-analytical Factors:
    ClassificationPre-analytical FactorValue(s)
    Analyte Extraction and Purification Deparaffinization Xylene
    None
    Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Aliquot size/volume One 5 um section
    Four 10 um sections
    PCR Specific Length of gene fragment 110 bp
    153 bp
    355 bp
  2. Study Purpose

    The purpose of this study was to assess whether a two-step PCR protocol would reduce formation of primer-dimer PCR artifacts.

    Summary of Findings:

    The authors note that a 2 step PCR approach, of 25 cycles each, reduced primer-dimer artifacts without adversely impacting amplicon abundance.

    Biospecimens
    Preservative Types
    • Formalin
    Diagnoses:
    • Neoplastic - Carcinoma
    Platform:
    AnalyteTechnology Platform
    DNA PCR
    Pre-analytical Factors:
    ClassificationPre-analytical FactorValue(s)
    PCR Specific Technology platform One-stage PCR
    Two-stage PCR

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