Circulating Endothelial Cells in Neuroendocrine Tumors

#757

Introduction: Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) are mature endothelial cells that are shed into the bloodstream. We hypothesised that neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), being highly vascular, may shed more CECs into the circulation, and that changes in their number may serve as a biomarker for anti-angiogenic therapy.

Aim(s): To compare the number of CECs in NET patients with that of healthy controls.

Materials and methods: Whole blood (4mls) was collected from healthy controls and patients with a diagnosis of metastatic NET. CECs were characterized morphologically and by the co-expression DAPI+CD105+CD45- and enumerated using the Cellsearch™ system. Intersample variability was assessed in a sub-group of controls and patients.

Conference: 10th Annual ENETSConcerence (2013)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Mandair D, Khan M, Lowe H, Griffin N, Tsigani T,

Keywords: biomarker,