Detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an integral part of the metastatic process. The presence of metastases is one of the characteristics of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the reason why we are studying CTCs on these patients.
By using the method of immunomagnetic separation (AdnaGen) and PCR methods, we determined the presence of selected epithelial and tumor-associated markers that indicate the presence of CTCs in the samples. From the peripheral blood have also been isolated a fraction of mononuclear cells for cultivation of CTCs.
Up today, CTCs examinations have been performed in 7 patients. The presence of CTCs was confirmed in the blood of all 7 patients.
From markers monitored, only high levels of PSA expression was measured in all samples. CTC cultured in medium are likely to survive, but show only very slight signs of growth.
Results of gene expression in CTC confirmed their heterogeneity, which could be the key to personalization and targeted treatment for patients with CRPC. During repeated sampling was also confirmed that the number of CTCs in the peripheral blood varies in different stages of therapy.