Strategies to investigate circulating endothelial cells in cancer
Patrizia Mancuso1, Cristina Rabascio, Francesco Bertolini
1Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
There is an increasing evidence of the crucial role of angiogenesis in cancer, and randomized studies have indicated that a "pure" anti-angiogenic drug (the anti-VEGF antibody Avastin) is very effective in colorectal cancer. In addition, this and other anti-angiogenic drugs have demonstrated activity and are currently under clinical investigation in a variety of other cancer types. At the present time, however, there is a scarcity of useful endpoints for treatment outcome beside survival. Using flow cytometry, quantitative PCR and cell culture we have found that circulating endothelial cells and progenitors are increased in cancer patients, and that measuring their viability and kinetics may offer significant clinical insight in the management of cancer patients.
Insights
Measuring circulating endothelial cells and progenitors offers new insights for cancer treatment management. This approach may provide valuable clinical endpoints beyond survival for anti-angiogenic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Angiogenesis plays a critical role in cancer progression.
- Anti-angiogenic drugs, like the anti-VEGF antibody Avastin, show efficacy in colorectal cancer and are under investigation for other cancer types.
- There is a need for clinical endpoints beyond survival to assess treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) as potential clinical insights in cancer management.
- To explore the utility of measuring CEC and CPC viability and kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and cell culture techniques.
- Analyzed the levels of CECs and CPCs in cancer patients.
- Assessed the viability and kinetics of these circulating cells.
Main Results:
- Circulating endothelial cells and progenitors are elevated in cancer patients.
- Measuring the viability and kinetics of CECs and CPCs provides significant clinical information.
- These measurements may serve as valuable endpoints for cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Circulating endothelial cells and progenitors represent a promising area for developing new clinical endpoints in oncology.
- Monitoring CECs and CPCs can enhance the management of cancer patients, particularly those undergoing anti-angiogenic therapy.
- Further research into CEC and CPC kinetics could refine treatment strategies and outcome predictions.
