Circulating endothelial cells and microparticles as prognostic markers in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
Circulating endothelial cells and microparticles have prognostic value in cancer, and might be predictors of response to chemotherapy and antiangiogenic treatments. We have investigated the prognostic value of circulating endothelial cells and microparticles in patients treated for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.


RESULTS
Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 60 patients before first line, platinum-based chemotherapy +/- bevacizumab, and after the third cycle of treatment. Blood samples from 60 healthy volunteers were also obtained as controls. Circulating endothelial cells were measured by an immunomagnetic technique and immunofluorescence microscopy. Phosphatidylserine-positive microparticles were evaluated by flow cytometry. Microparticle-mediated procoagulant activity was measured by the endogen thrombin generation assay.


RESULTS
pre- and posttreatment levels of markers were higher in patients than in controls (p<0.0001). Elevated levels of microparticles were associated with longer survival. Elevated pretreatment levels of circulating endothelial cells were associated with shorter survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Circulating levels of microparticles and circulating endothelial cells correlate with prognosis, and could be useful as prognostic markers in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe Valencia, Valencia, Spain. tfleitask@gmail.com
Tania
T
Fleitas
Vicenta
V
Martínez-Sales
Virtudes
V
Vila
Edelmiro
E
Reganon
David
D
Mesado
Maria
M
Martín
José
J
Gómez-Codina
Joaquín
J
Montalar
Gaspar
G
Reynés
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D055252:Cell-Derived Microparticles / Q000473:pathology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor