Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis: Technical and Statistical Considerations for Application to the Clinic. (9th November 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allan, Alison L.; Keeney, Michael
• Other Names: Georgoulias Vassilis Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of oncology. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2009-11-09
• Subjects: Oncology -- Research -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology -- Research; Tumors; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/426218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8450

Abstract

Abstract : Solid cancers are a leading cause of death worldwide, primarily due to the failure of effective clinical detection and treatment of metastatic disease in distant sites. There is growing evidence that the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients may be an important indicator of the potential for metastatic disease and poor prognosis. Technological advances have now facilitated the enumeration and characterization of CTCs using methods such as PCR, flow cytometry, image-based immunologic approaches, immunomagnetic techniques, and microchip technology. However, the rare nature of these cells requires that very sensitive and robust detection/enumeration methods be developed and validated in order to implement CTC analysis for widespread use in the clinic. This review will focus on the important technical and statistical considerations that must be taken into account when designing and implementing CTC assays, as well as the subsequent interpretation of these results for the purposes of clinical decision making.