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document
Human achaete-scute homologue ( hASH1 ) mRNA level as a diagnostic marker to distinguish esthesioneuroblastoma from poorly differentiated tumors arising in the sinonasal tract . Distinction of high-grade esthesioneuroblastomas from other poorly differentiated tumors arising in the nasal cavity is an important diagnostic challenge because it determines patient management and prognosis . The human achaete-scute homologue ( hASH1 ) gene is critical in olfactory neuronal differentiation and is expressed in immature olfactory cells ; therefore , it could have potential use as a diagnostic marker The aim of the present study was to determine the value of hASH1 messenger RNA ( mRNA ) levels in differentiating esthesioneuroblastoma from other poorly differentiated tumors . A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was developed , permitting the comparative determination of hASH1 mRNA levels in triplicate in a double-blind pilot study including 24 frozen cases of esthesioneuroblastoma and poorly differentiated tumors . All 4 positive cases were esthesioneuroblastomas , and all 19 poorly differentiated tumors were negative . In addition , there was an inverse association between the grade of esthesioneuroblastomas and hASH1 mRNA levels . The hASH1 mRNA level might represent a useful tool for distinguishing esthesioneuroblastoma from poorly differentiated tumors of the sinonasal region .
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Intervention_Physical
real-time polymerase chain reaction assay
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Outcome_Physical
hASH1 mRNA levels
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Outcome_Physical
esthesioneuroblastomas
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Outcome_Physical
grade of esthesioneuroblastomas
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Participant_Condition
esthesioneuroblastoma
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Participant_Condition
tumors
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Participant_Condition
esthesioneuroblastomas
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Participant_Condition
other poorly differentiated tumors arising in the nasal cavity
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Participant_Sample-size
24