A Colorimetric Method for Detection of K-ras Codon 12 Point Mutations in DNA Extracted from Tissue and Peripheral Blood in Pancreatic Disorders

Molecular-based methods to monitor point mutations require special and expensive equipment unavailable in most hospitals. Colorimetric-based analysis is an ideal platform for K-ras codon 12 gene point mutations because it uses commonly found hospital equipment. The colorimetric assay is sensitive and specific, detecting mutated DNA levels as low as 1% in a wild-type background. Paired genomic DNA extracts of fixed tissue and cellular fractions of peripheral blood are more sensitive and accurate than unpaired samplings. This approach has the potential to improve K-ras point mutation scans as well as to detect micrometastases in circulating tumor cells.