Circulating tumour cells and circulating nucleic acids as a measure of tumour dissemination in non-metastatic colorectal cancer surgery

• Published in: European journal of surgical oncology Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 309 - 314
• Main Authors: Lim, S.H, Spring, K.J, de Souza, P, MacKenzie, S, Bokey, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2015
• Subjects: Biomarkers, Tumor - blood; Carcinoma - blood; Carcinoma - surgery; Circulating tumour cells; Colectomy; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms - blood; Colorectal Neoplasms - surgery; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm, Residual; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating - metabolism; Nucleic Acids - blood; Prognosis; Surgery; Tumour dissemination; Surgery; Circulating tumour cells; Colorectal cancer; Tumour dissemination
• ISSN: 0748-7983; 1532-2157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2014.12.005

Abstract There is accumulating evidence for circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour nucleic acids (ctNAs) as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Their role in the perioperative setting is evolving. These blood-borne biomarkers can potentially demonstrate tumour dissemination at time of colorectal cancer surgery and estimate the completeness of a surgical resection. CTCs and circulating ctNA levels at time of surgery, and persistent levels post-surgery, may correlate with poorer patient outcomes. These biomarkers can be utilised to refine surgical techniques to minimise tumour dissemination and determine the need for adjuvant therapy.