title: Methods of detection of circulating melanoma cells: a comparative overview.
abstract: Disease dissemination is the major cause of melanoma-related death. A crucial step in the metastatic process is the intravascular invasion and circulation of melanoma cells in the bloodstream with subsequent development of distant micrometastases that is initially clinically undetectable and will eventually progress into clinically apparent metastasis. Therefore, the use of molecular methods to detect circulating melanoma cells may be of value in risk stratification and clinical management of such patients. Herein, we review the currently applied techniques for the detection, isolation, enrichment and further characterization of circulating melanoma cells from peripheral blood samples in melanoma patients. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of the various molecular markers currently being evaluated as prognostic indicators of melanoma progression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Micras Asias str., Goudi-Athens 115 27, Greece. anezos@med.uoa.gr
authors.forename: Andrianos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nezos
authors.forename: Pavlos
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Msaouel
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pissimissis
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lembessis
authors.forename: Antigone
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sourla
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Armakolas
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gogas
authors.forename: Alexandros J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Stratigos
authors.forename: Andreas D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Katsambas
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koutsilieris
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor