Circulating tumour cells in primary lung cancer patients

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Circulating tumour cells: The impact of circulating tumour cells during surgical resection, and evaluation of level of tumour cell hetrogeniety in patients with primary lung cancer.

• IRAS ID

  151666

• Contact name

  Vladimir Anikin

• Contact email

  V.Anikin@rbht.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust

• Research summary

  Background:
  Cancer recurrence is a major issue, with a large proportion of patients developing secondary cancer following surgical resection of their primary cancer.
  Our study will support current research in lung cancer patients, to further investigate and reduce the threat of cancer recurrence (cancer coming back). Researchers believe that even once the cancer has been removed some cancer cells (known as circulating tumour cells) may remain in the body, which have the ability to move and eventually grow in to another cancer, either in the same organ or another organ. Understanding the spread of cancer and being able to monitor potential spread in patients once they have had the cancer surgically removed means not only can more research be done to stop or slow down the spread of these cancer cells, but any cancer spread in patients can be monitored and picked up sooner. The test will be able to diagnose any cancer cells that may be present in the blood, by simply taking a routine blood sample of no more than a few millilitres. The test is so simple it can be done routinely at regular intervals (e.g. every 3 months) in patients at clinics. The earlier treatment is started the better the chances of survival are for patients. Analysis of CTCs from blood samples could be an invaluable tool for early stage detection of cancer, as well as monitoring cancer progression and cancer recurrence. Our study will also evaluate the surgical technique for cancer removal as it is believed manipulation of the tumour can lead to cancer cells being shed in to the blood system, which could potentially remain in the blood and go on to cause another cancer at a later date.

• REC name

  London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/LO/1284

• Date of REC Opinion

  8 Aug 2014

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion