# Anchored multiplex PCR for targeted next-generation sequencing

Source: https://onco.cc/key-papers/paper-zheng-anchored-multiplex-pcr-nat-med-2014/  
OnCo record `paper-zheng-anchored-multiplex-pcr-nat-med-2014` (Key paper). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

The paper that introduced anchored multiplex PCR, a way of finding gene fusions in tumour samples without knowing the partner gene.

## Summary

Validation of a gene rearrangement panel on 319 fixed tumour samples showed 100 per cent sensitivity (95% confidence limit 96.5 to 100) and 100 per cent specificity against reference assays; the method found new fusions including ARHGEF2-NTRK1 in glioblastoma.

## Fields

- Kind: Key paper
- Last checked: 2026-11-04
- Journal: Nature Medicine
- Year: 2014
- DOI: 10.1038/nm.3729
- Authors: Zheng Z, Liebers M, Zhelyazkova B, et al.
- Findings: 100% sensitivity and specificity in 319 samples.
- What it means: The basis of the FusionPlex panels many laboratories use.
- Caveats: Validation against reference assays in one centre.

## Sources

- Zheng et al., Nat Med 2014: https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.3729
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25384085/

## Connected records

- fronts: [Diagnostics & Biomarkers](https://onco.cc/fronts/diagnostics/)
- technologies: [RNA sequencing & expression profiling](https://onco.cc/technologies/rna-seq/)
- drugs: [Archer FusionPlex panels](https://onco.cc/drugs/archer-fusionplex/)
- terms: [Biomarker](https://onco.cc/terms/biomarker/)

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