title: Circulating endothelial cells and their subpopulations: role as predictive biomarkers in antiangiogenic therapy for colorectal cancer.
abstract: Several anticancer therapies have been developed to block angiogenesis, a key mechanism in tumor growth and metastasis. The predominantly cytostatic action of these compounds makes an assessment of their clinical activities inadequate if based only on the reduction of the tumor dimensions, as this may not reflect their true biologic efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to identify biomarkers that permit the recognition of potentially responsive subjects and to spare toxicity in those who are unlikely to benefit from treatment. Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been recently indicated as potential surrogate biomarkers of angiogenesis in several types of cancer. The possibility of rapidly quantifying these cells represents a promising tool for monitoring the clinical outcome of tumors with the potential to assess response to various treatments. However, the identification and quantification of CECs is technically difficult and not well standardized. A variety of methods to detect CECs in patients with solid tumors have been used; these are based on different technical approaches, combinations of surface markers, sample handling, and staining protocols. With an expanding interest in the field of potential clinical applications for CECs in oncology, the development of standardized protocols for analysis is mandatory. The aim of this review was to critically summarize the available data concerning the clinical value of CECs and their subpopulations as biomarkers of antiangiogenic therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera "Ospedale Maggiore", Crema, Italy. Electronic address: mariangelamanzoni@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mariangela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manzoni
authors.affiliation: Laboratories of Biotechnology and Virology/Microbiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuditta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Comolli
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torchio
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Ospedale di Vigevano, Vigevano, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuliano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mazzini
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Danova
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
keywords: Angiogenesis; Biomarkers; Circulating endothelial cell; Colorectal cancer; Flow cytometry