An optimized protocol for Laser Capture Micro-dissection for cytogenetic characterization of colon cancer specimens

A late diagnosis of colorectal cancer leads to a significant reduction of average survival time. In current screening programs most of the tumours are detected at advanced stages. Therefore, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers must be identified to allow malignancy detection at very early stages. Colon cancer specimens consist of heterogeneous tissue including different cell types such as tumour-, inflammatory- and stroma-cells. For a better understanding of cancer tumourgenesis and to identify potential biomarkers of high sensitivity and specificity, it is thus crucial to dissect uncontaminated cell types…