Comparison of different methods of DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded tissues

The most common human archival specimens are formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues. PCR-based techniques have been coupled with new developments in the extraction of DNA from FFPE. Herein, we report the results of a comparison of different methods of DNA extraction from FFPE specimens, including phenol-chloroform, salting-out, and silica-based commercial kits. Results showed no significant differences between the amounts of DNA obtained from each of the extraction methods studied; however, the salting-out DNA extraction method described is much easier and less toxic than the phenol–chloroform method.