Postoperative Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells Predicts Tumor Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer Patients

作者：Galizia Gennaro^*; Gemei Marica; Orditura Michele; Romano Ciro; Zamboli Anna; Castellano Paolo; Mabilia Andrea; Auricchio Annamaria; De Vita Ferdinando; Del Vecchio Luigi; Lieto Eva

来源：Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2013, 17(10): 1809-1818.

DOI：10.1007/s11605-013-2258-6

• Colorectal cancers
• Circulating tumor cells
• Flow cytometry
• Tailored treatments

Circulating tumor cells are thought to play a crucial role in the development of distant metastases. Their detection in the blood of colorectal cancer patients may be linked to poor outcome, but current evidence is controversial. %26lt;br%26gt;Pre- and postoperative flow cytometric analysis of blood samples was carried out in 76 colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection. The EpCAM/CD326 epithelial surface antigen was used to identify circulating tumor cells. %26lt;br%26gt;Fifty-four (71 %) patients showed circulating tumor cells preoperatively, and all metastatic patients showed high levels of circulating tumor cells. Surgical resection resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of circulating tumor cells. Among 69 patients undergoing radical surgery, 16 had high postoperative levels of circulating tumor cells, and 12 (75 %) experienced tumor recurrence. High postoperative level of circulating tumor cells was the only independent variable related to cancer relapse. In patients without circulating tumor cells, the progression-free survival rate increased from 16 to 86 %, with a reduction in the risk of tumor relapse greater than 90 %. %26lt;br%26gt;High postoperative levels of circulating tumor cells accurately predicted tumor recurrence, suggesting that assessment of circulating tumor cells could optimize tailored management of colorectal cancer patients.

• 出版日期2013-10