Characterisation of blood-derived exosomal hTERT mRNA secretion in cancer patients: a potential pan-cancer marker

Abstract

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA levels may reflect the tumour burden and the clinical status of the patient. In patients with detectable levels, this assay may potentially serve as a diagnostic and follow-up 'pan-cancer' marker. Owing to the large variety of patients and small sample size in each diagnosis, the statistical power is limited and will be explored further in larger groups.