Circulating tumor cells: evolving evidence and future challenges.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2009

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are rare malignant cells found in the peripheral blood that originate from the primary tumor or metastatic sites. New techniques have been developed to isolate and characterize these cells. CTC enumeration has been incorporated into different fields of oncology as a prognostic marker, a tool to monitor therapy response, and a method to understand basic tumor characteristics. This review covers the different techniques available for isolation of CTCs, the clinical utility of CTCs in breast, prostate, and colon cancer, and future directions in this field.

Volume

14

Issue

11

First Page

1070

Last Page

1082

ISSN

1549-490X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

19897536

Department(s)

Hematology-Medical Oncology Division

Document Type

Article

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