IN Situ Hybridization for Detection OF Hormone and Peptide mRNA in Carcinoid Tumors

Abstract

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a widely used method to detect particular mRNA synthesizing cells. the method can be used to determine neuroendocrine properties of tumors by identifying the hormone and neuropeptide mRNA-producing tumor cells. Also, monitoring the production of particular mRNA under tumor progression or during certain therapies might be of prognostic value in the management of the tumor. in this paper are described methodological backgrounds and applications of the ISH method in detecting hormone and peptide mRNA in neuroendocrine tumors, especially midgut carcinoid.