Circulating tumor cells are associated with diffuse spread in stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when combining both genders. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a prognostic marker for stage IV CRC patients. We hypothesized that CTC quantity varies among stage IV CRC populations.

Methods

Blood (7.5 ml) was prospectively collected from 90 stage IV CRC patients. EpCAM(+) CTCs were analyzed with the FDA-approved CellSearch(®) system. CRC tumors were immunohistochemically stained for EpCAM expression. Imaging and clinicopathological data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using correlation analysis, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher exact, and log-rank test.

Results

CTCs were detectable in 36/90 (40%) patients. Diffuse CRC metastases were associated with

SUBMITTER: Kaifi JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3912041 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature