Detection of epithelial carcinoma cells in the blood of patients with gynaecological malignancies.
BACKGROUND
Some investigations have shown that evidence of epithelial tumor cells in bone marrow is a relevant prognostic factor in various solid tumors. However there is a lack of data concerning the value of detection methods for epithelial cells in the serum of cancer patients.


METHODS
In a prospective study we investigated the blood samples of patients with benign and malignant gynaecological diseases from November 1997 to March 1999. We used an immunocytochemical approach with cytokeratin-directed antibodies CK 8-18 in 135 and A45-13/133 in another 123 patients for detection of epithelial cells.


RESULTS
There was no significant correlation between the detection rate and tumour stage, grading or lymph node status. The CK8-18 antibody had a higher detection rate for epithelial cells than A45-B/B3 (52% vs. 10%).


CONCLUSIONS
Both methods showed a low sensitivity and a high specificity. Further studies are needed to determine the prognostic value of epithelial cells in the blood of patients with gynaecological malignancies.
Sehouli
Jalid
J
Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Humboldt University, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. sehouli@aol-com
Könsgen
Dominique
D
Nimpsch
Robert
R
Oskay
Gülten
G
Stengel
Dirk
D
Oertel
Joachim
J
Lichtenegger
Werner
W
Mustea
Alexandru
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D007633:Keratins