Value of telomerase activity in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate telomerase activity as a marker for the differentiation of benign and malignant ascites. METHODS: Exfoliated cells were harvested from various kinds of ascitic fluid and telomerase activity was determined by TRAP-PCR-ELISA (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–polymerase chain reaction–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS: Telomerase activity could not be detected in the ascites of hepatic cirrhosis or peritoneal tuberculosis but was detected in 29 of 34 (85.2%) cancerous ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity may be present in cancerous ascites and could be used as a marker for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.