What is RT-qPCR? How does it help detect cancer?

RT-qPCR is a laboratory technique used to measure the amount of RNA present in a sample, and it is widely used in cancer research to detect and monitor cancer. In some cases, cancer cells produce specific RNA molecules that are not present in healthy cells. By analyzing blood or tissue samples from patients suspected of having cancer, RT-qPCR can be used to detect these RNA molecules and diagnose the presence of cancer. This allows clinicians to identify and monitor cancer at the molecular level, which can help guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.