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Identification and characterization of circulating prostate carcinoma cells
Z P Wang1, M A Eisenberger, M A Carducci
1Cell Works Inc., Baltimore, MD 21227-2349, USA.
Cancer
|June 28, 2000
Summary
Prostate carcinoma cells in blood can be classified into three types. These circulating tumor cells, including clusters, may form microtumors and potentially metastasize.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in prostate carcinoma offer insights into disease progression.
- Analysis of peripheral blood revealed distinct categories of CTCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify and characterize prostate carcinoma cells found in peripheral blood.
- To investigate the morphology and potential behavior of CTCs.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of CTCs using centrifugation density gradients and magnetic cell sorting.
- Characterization via immunocytochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- CTCs classified into three groups: large, fragile cells; enucleate cells (DAPI-negative); and cellular debris.
- Growing cells showed stem cell-like morphology, M phase cells, and cell clusters.
- The majority of isolated cells exhibited intermediate characteristics.
Conclusions:
- CTCs, particularly clusters, may circulate as microtumors and arrest in vasculature.
- These clusters might evade immune surveillance and gain a growth advantage.
- Arrested cells could initiate neovascularization and invasion at distant sites.