Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) Correlate with Overall Survival in Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

#250

Introduction: Using the CellSearchTM system, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be reproducibly enumerated. We have previously shown that CTCs are detectable in NETs and associated with progressive disease.

Aim(s): To prospectively assess the prognostic value of enumerating CTCs in a cohort of patients with metastatic NETs.

Materials and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of metastatic NET, about to commence a new therapy or surveillance, were recruited. 7.5 mls of blood was collected and CTCs enumerated using the CellSearchTM system. Enumeration of CTCs was performed without knowledge of patients’ clinical status. Patients were followed up prospectively and overall survival (OS) recorded.

Conference: 8th Annual ENETSConcerence (2011)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Khan M, Tsigani T, Garcia-Hernandez J, Caplin M, Meyer T,

Keywords: neuroendocrine tumor, circulating tumor cells, carcinoid, survival,