Background: The purpose of this study was to present our findings that because circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exist in extremely low numbers, their detection and quantification are challenging.
Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 32 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and were subjected to the CellSieve Microfiltration Assay using a low-pressure filtration system. The CTCs captured by the filter were stained with an antibody cocktail (anti-cytokeratin (CK) 8, 18, and 19, anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and anti-CD45 antibodies).
Results: The CTCs were detected in 29 of 32 patients (90.6%). Although patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher number of CTCs, the clinical N classification was not associated with the CTC count. After treatment, the CTC count showed a significant decrease.
Conclusion: The CTCs were successfully detected and quantified in patients with HNSCC by using a low-pressure filtration system equipped with precision microfilters. Further studies using a larger number of patient samples and/or molecular analysis of CTCs are warranted.
Keywords: biomarker; circulating tumor cells; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; liquid bipsy; microfiltration.
© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.