Limitations of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular monitoring.
Single, standardized, “clinically informative” PCR methodology is not currently in use
Optimal timing and frequency of PCR testing is unknown
Bcl-2 gene rearrangement can be found in the normal population (need to use quantitative “cut-off” points to limit false-positive results in serial follow-up of FL patients)
Residual Bcl-2/IgH-positive cells may not be clonogenic cells or different clones may occur at different time-points
Single, standardized, “clinically informative” PCR methodology is not currently in use
Optimal timing and frequency of PCR testing is unknown
Bcl-2 gene rearrangement can be found in the normal population (need to use quantitative “cut-off” points to limit false-positive results in serial follow-up of FL patients)
Residual Bcl-2/IgH-positive cells may not be clonogenic cells or different clones may occur at different time-points