Detection of circulating pancreas epithelial cells in patients with pancreatic cystic lesions

Gastroenterology. 2014 Mar;146(3):647-51. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.12.007. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Abstract

Hematogenous dissemination is thought to be a late event in cancer progression. We recently showed in a genetic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that pancreas cells can be detected in the bloodstream before tumor formation. To confirm these findings in humans, we used microfluidic geometrically enhanced differential immunocapture to detect circulating pancreas epithelial cells in patient blood samples. We captured more than 3 circulating pancreas epithelial cells/mL in 7 of 21 (33%) patients with cystic lesions and no clinical diagnosis of cancer (Sendai criteria negative), 8 of 11 (73%) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and in 0 of 19 patients without cysts or cancer (controls). These findings indicate that cancer cells are present in the circulation of patients before tumors are detected, which might be used in risk assessment.

Keywords: Circulating Tumor Cells; Early Detection; IPMN; Pancreatic Cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology*
  • Pancreas / pathology*
  • Pancreatic Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Cyst / pathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment