%0 Journal Article
%T Circulating DNA: Diagnostic Tool and Predictive Marker for Overall Survival of NSCLC Patients
%A Raquel Catarino
%A Ana Coelho
%A Ant¨Žnio Ara¨˛jo
%A M¨Žnica Gomes
%A Augusto Nogueira
%A Carlos Lopes
%A Rui Medeiros
%J PLOS ONE
%D 2012
%I Public Library of Science (PLoS)
%R 10.1371/journal.pone.0038559
%X Purpose The purpose of our study was to determine whether the amounts of circulating DNA (cDNA) could discriminate between NSCLC patients and healthy individuals and assess its value as a prognostic marker of this disease. Methods We conducted a study of 309 individuals and the cDNA levels were assessed through real-time PCR methodology. Results We found increased cDNA levels in NSCLC patients compared to control individuals. We also found a decreased overall survival time in patients presenting high cDNA levels, when compared to lower cDNA concentrations. Conclusions Quantification of cDNA may be a good tool for NSCLC detection with potential for clinical applicability.
%U http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0038559