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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell CTC Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Circulating tumor cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Feasibility of detection and
Tomoyuki Kawada1,2, Hideyuki Takahashi1, Koichi Sakakura1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan.
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.
