Circulating tumor cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Feasibility of detection and quantitation. Issue 11 (17th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kawada, Tomoyuki; Takahashi, Hideyuki; Sakakura, Koichi; Ida, Shota; Mito, Ikko; Toyoda, Minoru; Chikamatsu, Kazuaki
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 39:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 2180
• Page End: 2186
• Publication Date: 2017-08-17
• Subjects: biomarker -- circulating tumor cells -- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -- liquid bipsy -- microfiltration; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.24893
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to present our findings that because circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exist in extremely low numbers, their detection and quantification are challenging. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 32 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and were subjected to the CellSieve Microfiltration Assay using a low‐pressure filtration system. The CTCs captured by the filter were stained with an antibody cocktail (anti‐cytokeratin (CK) 8, 18, and 19, anti‐epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and anti‐CD45 antibodies). Results: The CTCs were detected in 29 of 32 patients (90.6%). Although patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher number of CTCs, the clinical N classification was not associated with the CTC count. After treatment, the CTC count showed a significant decrease. Conclusion: The CTCs were successfully detected and quantified in patients with HNSCC by using a low‐pressure filtration system equipped with precision microfilters. Further studies using a larger number of patient samples and/or molecular analysis of CTCs are warranted.