摘要
Introduction:Although many studies have shown the vast potential of circulating tumor cells(CTCs)detection in cancer diagnosis and prognosis,our understanding of their clinical significance is still far from complete.A major obstacle arises from the lack of well-established tumor or tissue-specific markers to detect CTCs by immunocytochemical staining after immunomagnetic enrichment(IE).Methods:We have established the utility of cytokeratin 20(CK20),a gastrointestinal tract specific marker,for the specific detection and identification of colorectal cancer(CRC)CTCs.This breakthrough was successfully validated in spike-in experiments using CRC cell line models followed by a pilot study which recruited 32 metastatic CRC patients,25 benign colorectal diseases patients and 27 normal subjects.Results:CK20-positive CTCs were detected in 90%metastatic CRC patients but not in benign colorectal diseases patients and normal subjects using this refined assay.Conclusions:These impressive results have laid the foundation for further development of CK20-positive CTCs as a promising marker in diagnosis,prognostication and treatment monitoring of metastatic CRC.
