Detection and Phenotyping of Circulating Tumor Cells in High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Background This study aims to determine the feasibility of identifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with high-risk, localized prostate cancer (HRLPC), using a modified isolation procedure on the CellSearch platform, and to assess the expression of stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers on the CTCs. Methods Thirty five patients with HRLPC who had chosen prostatectomy for definitive management were prospectively identified. After obtaining consent, four 30mL blood draws were performed, two prior to surgery and two following surgery. The CTC-containing fraction was Ficoll purified and transferred to a CellSave tube containing dilution buffer prior to standard enumeration using the CellSearch system. Loss of E-Cadherin expression, a marker of EMT, and CD133, a putative prostate cancer stem cell marker, were characterized using the open channel on the CellSearch platform. CTC fragments were also enumerated. Results Using the modified methodology, CTCs were detectable in 49% of patients prior to surgery. While no correlation between CTC count and biochemical recurrence (BR) was observed, the percentages of CD133 and E-Cadherin positive CTC fragments were associated with BR at one year. Conclusion Our results suggest that further research into the development of CTCs as prognostic biomarkers in HRLPC is warranted.

Simple risk assessment in prostate cancer patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy: The Korean Cancer Study of the Prostate risk classification

“…M1 stage showed a strong association with early progression, and circulating tumor cells were detected more frequently in M1 patients . In localized prostate cancer, circulating tumor cells did not show a significant correlation with pathological T stage, and no studies have proven that circulating tumor cells predict unfavorable prognosis . However, in metastatic prostate cancer, the presence or number of circulating tumor cells indicate worse prognosis .…”

“…23 In localized prostate cancer, circulating tumor cells did not show a significant correlation with pathological T stage, and no studies have proven that circulating tumor cells predict unfavorable prognosis. 24 However, in metastatic prostate cancer, the presence or number of circulating tumor cells indicate worse prognosis. 25 One small sequencing study showed that lymph node metastasis was phylogenetically more closely associated with circulating tumor cells.…”

A novel capillary nano-immunoassay for assessing androgen receptor splice variant 7 in plasma. Correlation with CD133 antigen expression in circulating tumor cells. A pilot study in prostate cancer patients

“…Previous studies have documented the presence of CD133+ CTCs in samples from patients with advanced CRPC as well as from patients with localised prostate cancer after local therapy (4,20). Putative prostate cancer stem cells and other cancer stem cell populations express the stem cell-associated antigen CD133.…”

Antibody-modified reduced graphene oxide film for circulating tumor cell detection in early-stage prostate cancer patients

“…25 Summary studies have found that the positive rate of CTC detection in patients with early-stage prostate cancer is 5-52%. [26][27][28][29] Herein, the present study was initiated due to the lack of data on the presence of CTCs in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the antibody-modied reduced graphene oxide lm technique for detecting CTCs in early-stage prostate cancer patients.…”