Objective: To set up a feasible method for detection of objective genes from paraffin-embedded tissues of oral leukoplakia (OLK).
Methods: Twenty-five pieces of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of OSCC were selected and ATM gene was detected respectively by 3 methods: the microdissection-nested PCR method, proteinase K-PCR method and conventional phenol-chloroform-PCR method. The positivity rates were compared statistically.
Results: The positivity rates of these 3 methods were 84%, 52% and 64% respectively. Significant difference was found in positivity rate between the microdissection-nested PCR method and the proteinase K-PCR method (P = 0.032).
Conclusions: The microdissection-nested PCR method merits recommendation because it is more efficient, easy to perform and has the advantage of less sample amount.