Sensitivity of microcavity array system for circulating tumor cells in lung cancer patients.

e21007 Background: Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM)-based enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has prognostic value in solid tumors such as advanced breast, colon and prostate cancers. However, poor sensitivity has been reported in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have developed a microcavity array (MCA) system integrated with a microfluidic device for recovery and enumeration of CTsC, regardless of EpCAM expression level. This system can isolate tumor cells on the basis of differences in size and deformability between tumor and hematologic cells. Methods: Paired peripheral blood samples were collected from metastatic lung cancer patients. CTCs were enumerated by EpCAM-based immunomagnetic capture (CellSearch, Veridex) and by the MCA system. In the MCA system, trapped cells were stained with Hoechst 33342, FITC-labeled anti-pan cytokeratin antibodies and PE-labeled anti-CD45 antibodies for subsequent imaging analysis. CTCs were defined as cells with round to oval morphology, a visi...