An investigation of a novel method for CTC detection in NSCLC.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation of a novel circulating tumour cell detection device (CellCollector) in non-small cell lung cancer.
IRAS ID
148465
Contact name
Phil Crosbie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital of South Manchester
Research summary
Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) are rare cells that may be detected in blood that are thought to have a critical role in the development of metastatic disease. The number of CTCs detected by the current gold standard method (CellSearch) is associated with a worse prognosis in lung cancer, but the sensitivity of CTC detection is low especially in early stage disease. The main aim of this study is to investigate a novel device for CTC detection called CellCollector. This is a small guide wire coated with antibodies to EpCAM, a protein commonly expressed on the surface of CTCs, which is placed within a peripheral vein for 30 minutes.
The detection of CTCs will be assessed in a cohort of cases (new diagnosis of lung cancer) and cancer free controls.
The ability of CellCollector to detect CTCs in lung cancer patients will be assessed relative to CellSearch and CTC number compared to levels of other circulating biomarkers including cell free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNA. The ability to differentiate cases from cancer free controls will also be assessed.
The development of methods that improve CTC detection could help to determine for example which patients who have had a curative treatment e.g. surgical resection are more likely to suffer a disease relapse or which patients after surgery may benefit from chemotherapy. In addition, a biomarker in blood may help to diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage when treatments are more effective and so improve outcomes for patients.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0334
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion