Publikation
Distinct expression of cytokeratin, N-cadherin and CD133 in circulating tumor cells of metastatic breast cancer patients
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 01.08.2014
Bock Carolin, Rack Brigitte, Huober Jens, Andergassen Ulrich, Jeschke Udo, Doisneau-Sixou Sophie
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AIM
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) appear as potential candidates to predict the ability of breast tumors to metastasize. Moreover, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell features are major mechanisms for metastasis.
PATIENTS & METHODS
Using a triple fluorescence technique, the expression of EMT (N-cadherin) and stem cell markers (CD133) was analyzed in CTCs detected via cytokeratin in blood samples from 26 metastatic breast cancer patients.
RESULTS
We detected CTCs in 100% of the patients (n = 831 CTCs). In total, 67% of the CTCs were N-cadherin and CD133 negative. Nonetheless, 87.8 and 57.6%, respectively, of the CTCs that expressed one marker coexpressed the other. Both double-negative and double-positive CTCs were present in more than 90% of the patients. Within the CTCs of each patient, we demonstrated striking heterogeneities of marker expressions, cell shapes, clusters and sizes.
CONCLUSION
These data outline the importance of characterizing CTCs, especially through stem cell and EMT markers.