M Katoh1, M Neumaier, R Nezam, J R Izbicki, U Schumacher. 1. Institute for Anatomy, Experimental Morphology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf Martinistr. 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of circulating tumor cells remains unclear since, in principle, most tumor cells are unable to survive in the bloodstream. The aim of the study was to establish a system that can be used to investigate the metastatic process in more detail, with emphasis on circulating tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human colon carcinoma cells (HT29) were transplanted into severe-combined-immunodeficient (scid) mice. The metastatic load in the blood was investigated using the human-specific carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as target for quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A close correlation between the weight of the primary tumor and the number of circulating tumor cells was detected (r=0.7240; p<0.0001). Moreover, the number of circulating tumor cells and the actual number of spontaneous lung metastases was related (r=0.8283; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A tumor xenotransplantation model is presented that allows for a detailed investigation of the metastatic process in three different compartments: the primary tumor bed, the bloodstream and the target organ of metastatic residency.
BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of circulating tumor cells remains unclear since, in principle, most tumor cells are unable to survive in the bloodstream. The aim of the study was to establish a system that can be used to investigate the metastatic process in more detail, with emphasis on circulating tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Humancolon carcinoma cells (HT29) were transplanted into severe-combined-immunodeficient (scid) mice. The metastatic load in the blood was investigated using the human-specific carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as target for quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A close correlation between the weight of the primary tumor and the number of circulating tumor cells was detected (r=0.7240; p<0.0001). Moreover, the number of circulating tumor cells and the actual number of spontaneous lung metastases was related (r=0.8283; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A tumor xenotransplantation model is presented that allows for a detailed investigation of the metastatic process in three different compartments: the primary tumor bed, the bloodstream and the target organ of metastatic residency.
Authors: María Virtudes Céspedes; Carolina Espina; Miguel Angel García-Cabezas; Manuel Trias; Alicia Boluda; María Teresa Gómez del Pulgar; Francesc Josep Sancho; Manuel Nistal; Juan Carlos Lacal; Ramon Mangues Journal: Am J Pathol Date: 2007-03 Impact factor: 4.307