Molecular detection and surrogate marker expression of tumor cells in bone marrow

Background: Using criteria for classification of disseminated tumor cells in compliance with the publication of Fehm et al. (Cancer, Vol.107, 2006) we have reported a cytological DTC-positivity rate of 1.9% (39/2050) in patients with primary breast cancer. To improve specificity and DTC detection rate we have adopted the technique of immunomagnetic tumor cell separation in combination with molecular gene expression to bone marrow (BM) samples. Material and Methods: 1×107 BM cells were used for immunomagnetic enrichment of epithelial cell types using antibodies targeting the cell membrane glycoproteins MUC1 and E…