The present invention relates to the detection of a cell proliferative
disorder associated with alterations of microsatellite DNA in a sample.
The microsatellite DNA can be contained within any of a variety of
samples, such as urine, sputum, bile, stool, cervical tissue, saliva,
tears, or cerebral spinal fluid. The invention is a method to detect an
allelic imbalance by assaying microsatellite DNA. Allelic imbalance is
detected by observing an abnormality in an allele, such as an increase or
decrease in microsatellite DNA which is at or corresponds to an allele.
An increase can be detected as the appearance of a new allele. In
practicing the invention, DNA amplification methods, particularly
polymerase chain reactions, are useful for amplifying the DNA. DNA
analysis methods can be used to detect such a decrease or increase. The
invention is also a method to detect genetic instability of
microsatellite DNA. Genetic instability is detected by observing an
amplification or deletion of the small, tandem repeat DNA sequences in
the microsatellite DNA which is at or corresponds to an allele. The
invention is also a kit for practicing these methods.
