Digital Pcr For The Analysis Of Myc Copy Number Variation In Lung Cancer

Background.MYC(v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) is one of the most frequently amplified genes in lung tumors. For the analysis of gene copy number variations, dPCR (digital PCR) is an appropriate tool. The aim of our study was the assessment of dPCR for the detection ofMYCcopy number variations (CNV) in lung tissue considering clinicopathological parameters.Material and Methods.MYCstatus was analyzed with dPCR as well as qPCR (quantitative PCR) using gDNA (genomic DNA) from tumor and adjacent nontumor tissue samples of lung cancer patients. The performance ofMYCwas estimated based on the AUC (area under curve).Results. The results of theMYCamplification correlated significantly between dPCR and qPCR (rS=0.81,P<0.0001). TheMYCcopy number revealed by dPCR showed statistically significant differences between tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. For discrimination, a sensitivity of 43% and a specificity of 99% were calculated, representing 55 true-positive and one false-positive tests. No statistically significant differences could be observed for age, sex, and smoking status or the clinicopathological parameters (histological subtype, grade, and stage).Conclusion. The results of the study show that dPCR is an accurate and reliable method for the determination ofMYCcopy numbers. The application is characterized by high specificity and moderate sensitivity.MYCamplification is a common event in lung cancer patients, and it is indicated that the determination of theMYCstatus might be useful in clinical diagnostics.