Elevation in Peripheral Blood Circulating Tumor Cell Number Correlates with Macroscopic Progression in UICC Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Patients. Issue 3 (2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molnar, Bela; Floro, Lajos; Sipos, Ferenc; Toth, Bernadett; Sreter, Lydia; Tulassay, Zsolt
• Is Part Of: Disease markers. Volume 24:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2008
• Subjects: Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Biochemical markers -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1155/2008/941509
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-0240

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Cytokeratin(CK) based real-time RT-PCR assays (QRT-PCR) are now available for peripheral blood circulating tumor cell (CTC) evaluations in colorectal cancer(CRC) patients. Results are non-existent for the application of these techniques to the determination of progression and therapy response in Dukes stage D CRC patients. Patients and methods: Each month 30 ml peripheral blood of 30 Dukes D patients (17 with progression) were drawn. CEA, CA19-9, CA72-A and TPA-M determinations were made. CK20, thymidilate synthase(TS) QRT-PCR was performed, as well. Buffy coat was used for immunmagnetic cancer cell isolation and CTC counting. Correlation between elevated CTC and macroscopic progression within 3 months was determined by Chi 2 test. Results: Microscopic CTC single cell, doublet, cluster number were found in correlation with CK20 QRT-PCR results ( p < 0.01). There was a significant increase in microscopic CTC number, CK20 and decrease in TS QRT-PCR levels ( p < 0.05) in the peripheral blood of the non-responder as compared to responder patients. Elevation of the CTC was in significant correlation with macroscopic progression of the disease in 3 months ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: CTC number reflects the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of CRC patients. Elevation of circulating tumor cell number in peripheral blood is in correlation with macroscopic progression.