Abstract: Disclosed is method of amplifying and labeling mRNA sample for the mRNA microarray. The invention utilizes the specific synthesized single strand oligonucleotide (ssDNA) poly-T to hybridize the complementary poly-A in the tail of the mRNA; converts the hybridized mRNA to the cDNA; hybridizes the mRNA detection probe on the mRNA microarray chip with the cDNA; amplifies the hybridized cDNA through extending the polymer based on the ssDNA; labels the amplified cDNA by integrating the fluorescent modified nucleotide into the amplified duplex oligonucleotide during polymer extension; verifies the amplified labeled cDNA through detecting the fluorescent signal. The fluorescent signal from the mRNA detection probe spot on the mRNA microarray chip will indicate the presence of the detected mRNA and the quantity of the fluorescent signal from the mRNA detection probe sport will be directly proportional to the amount of the fluorescent modified nucleotide in the amplified duplex oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of detecting circular tumor cells and methods of detecting, evaluating, or staging cancer in a patient, as well as a method of monitoring treatment of cancer in a patient using the claimed method. The method comprises contacting a sample with a CD45 binding agent; selecting the cells based on positive or negative CD45 staining; contacting the selected cells with a labeled nucleic acid probe, and detecting hybridized cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization; and analyzing a signal produced by the labels on the hybridized cells to detect the CTCs. In other embodiments, the method provides for directed to a method of determining the level of CTCs in a sample having blood cells from a patient by contacting a sample having blood cells from a patient, wherein the sample has not been pre-sorted into CD45-positive and CD45-negative cells.