Circulating and Disseminated Tumor Cells from Solid Tumors—Research and Clinical Aspects

摘要: Increasing evidence indicates that tumor cell dissemination starts already early during development and progression. Sensitive immunocytochemical molecular assays allow now the detection of single circulating cells (CTC) in peripheral blood disseminated (DTC) bone marrow (BM) as a common easily accessible homing organ for released by epithelial tumors various origins. Tumor are frequently detected BM cancer patients without clinical or even histopathologic signs metastasis. The DTC CTC may yield important prognostic information might help to tailor systemic therapies individual needs patient. A can express properties distinct from primary (e.g., increased rate HER2/neu expression/amplification), characterization DTC/CTC could, therefore, identify therapeutic targets select whose most likely respond targeted agents. Moreover, measurements could be used monitoring efficacy therapies. Ongoing trials will reveal whether changes status linked outcome. Here, we review data on (i) disseminating (ii) studies establish CTC/DTC practice, outline (iii) biological characteristics CTC.