Ezrin expression in circulating tumor cells is a predictor of prostate cancer metastasis

Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) remains incurable and fatal. Previous studies have proven that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and Ezrin are involved in PCa progression, metastasis, diagnosis, and prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the roles of CTCs and Ezrin in PCa metastasis. The expression of Ezrin was measured by qRT–PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The migration and invasion of PCa cells were evaluated. Additionally, clinical data from PCa patients were collected to analyze the potential roles of Ezrin expression in CTCs of PCa. The results showed that Ezrin expression was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues and 22RV1 and PC-3 cell samples. The overexpression of Ezrin promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of 22RV1 and PC-3 cells. Finally, the clinical data revealed that the expression of Ezrin in CTCs of PCa patients was significantly upregulated with the metastatic degree. Furthermore, after radical prostatectomy, CTCs from Ezrin-positive PCa patients were susceptible to tumor metastasis. Therefore, these results indicated that Ezrin expression in CTCs may offer novel insights into the prognosis and management of PCa.