The book provides an updated overview of molecular analysis of human tissues, and the impact this analysis has on diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. Special emphasis is placed on human cancer and the future directions of the field. Methods of handling clinical tissue samples, including the impact of handling on subsequent molecular analysis, are also discussed. In addition, detailed protocols for molecular analysis of DNA, RNA and protein, with special emphasis on molecular analysis of highly complex human tissue samples containing mixtures of cell populations, are provided.

Michael Emmert-Buck, MD, PhD is Chief of the Pathogenetics Unit, Laboratory of Pathology, NCI. He received his MD and PhD degrees from Wayne State University and completed his training in anatomic pathology at the NCI. Dr. Emmert-Buck became Chief of the Pathogenetics Unit in 1996.

Rodrigo Chuaqui, MD is the Head of Prostate Research Studies in the Pathogenetics Unit, Laboratory of Pathology, NCI. He received his MD and his training in Anatomic Pathology at the Catholic University, Santiago, Chile, becoming a staff member in the Dept. of Pathology at this University in 1992. In 2000, Dr. Chuaqui joined the NCI, in the Pathogenetics Unit.

John Gillespie, MD is the Head of the Clinical Division of the Pathogenetics Unit, Laboratory of Pathology, NCI. He received his MD and completed his training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the George Washington University. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pathology combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. In 1997, Dr Gillespie joined the NCI, Pathogenetics Unit.

Clinkal Issues and Tissue Processing.- Molecular Pathology Laboratory of the Future.- Clinical Utilities of Microdissected Samples.- Tissue Processing.- Sample Management and Tracking.- Methods of Tissue Microanalysis.- Tissue Microarrays.- Molecular Analysis of Microdissected Samples.- Methods of Microdissection and New Technologies.- Standard Diagnostic Techniques.- DNA Applications.- mRNA Applications.- Proteomic Applications.- Protocols for Tissue Handling and Molecular Analysis.