Mesenchymal characterization: alternative to simple CTC detection in two clinical trials.

Abstract

Tumor epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition give rise to cells with mesenchymal aggressive phenotype. Detection of mesenchymal and cancer stem cells, which are tumor-initiating cells, is more relevant than simple counting of CTCs to assess their presence in the blood of patients with breast cancer. This study will be the basis for future evaluation of the outcome of the disease and the prognostic value of early-detected CTCs.