RT-PCR Increases Detection of Submicroscopic Peritoneal Metastases in Gastric Cancer and Has Prognostic Significance
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 02/27/2012

Wong J et al. – Real–time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) increases the detection of subclinical peritoneal disease and is more sensitive than cytology. Predictors of positive PCR included advanced–stage disease, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion. PCR positivity was associated with increased disease recurrence and decreased survival. Further follow–up is required to determine if PCR positivity alone is an independent predictor of poor survival in gastric cancer.