Several variations of PCR are employed in cancer research:
Real-time PCR (qPCR): This technique quantifies DNA concentration in real-time, allowing for the measurement of gene expression levels, which is crucial for understanding cancer progression. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR): Converts RNA into DNA before amplification. It is particularly useful for studying gene expression and detecting RNA viruses like HPV, which can lead to cancer. Digital PCR (dPCR): Offers highly accurate quantification and is used for detecting rare mutations in a background of normal DNA.
