AB34. Circulating tumor cell enrichment and analysis in prostate cancer

The dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) implicated in the metastatic spread of cancer accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths. CTCs have been established as a prognostic biomarker and are associated with worse survival outcomes in various cancer types. Microfiltration can be an efficient and antigen-independent method for CTC enrichment. We have developed several generations of microfabricated filtration devices for CTC enrichment. The latest device is a flexible micro spring array (FMSA) device for label-free viable mechanical enrichment of CTCs from whole blood samples obtained from patients with advanced and metastatic carcinoma. CTCs were enriched and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively based on immunocytochemical determination of phenotype and morphological characteristics. Follow up samples were analyzed during the course of therapy and CTC results were correlated to patient survival and tumor burden. FMSA enriched CTCs obtained from a blood sample may prove to be a prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.