Improved real-time rt-PCR assays of two colorectal cancer peripheral blood mRNA biomarkers: a pilot study.

Background: Efficient screening for detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) at earlier stages reduces its mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in peripheral blood of CRC patients and to present strategies for early detection screen test.

Methods: Twenty seven patients in non-metastatic stage and 27 healthy individuals were studied.