Classification of isolated tumor cells and micrometastasis.

摘要: BACKGROUND Findings of isolated (disseminated or circulating) tumor cells (ITC) by immunocytochemistry and molecular pathology methods have led to varied interpretations different applications the TNM system. METHODS An analysis relevant literature was undertaken. In addition, optional proposals for classification ITC, micrometastasis, cytologic results in pleural peritoneal washings are presented. RESULTS Immunocytochemistry has a lower false-positive rate than nonmorphologic such as flow cytometry polymerase chain reaction; therefore method(s) used always should be recorded. At current time, independent prognostic significance ITC regional lymph nodes general circulation (blood, bone marrow, other distant sites) is difficult assess. To enable comparisons treatment avoid variation staging, finding not considered residual (R) classifications, at least time. However, future evaluation their significance, respective findings documented according uniform criteria. CONCLUSIONS ITC distinguished from micrometastasis. investigate positive lavage cytology, data collection proposed coding schema recommended. [See editorial on pages 2589–92, this issue.] Cancer 1999;86:2668–73. © 1999 American Society.