Change of circulating tumor cells in pancreatic cancer patients detected by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) combined with RT-qPCR

Objective To evaluate the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood by using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) combined with RT-qPCR, and analyze the relationship between CTCs and the prognosis. Methods From January 2013 to December 2014, 20 pancreatic cancer patients underwent cryoblation in Fuda Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Jinan University were enrolled. MACS combined with RT-qPCR were used to identify preoperative CTCs and CTCs at 10 days postoperatively. The patients were followed in the next two year, and the prognosis was recorded, then the relationship between CTCs and the prognosis was analyzed. Results In the 20 cases, positive rate of preoperative CTCs was 45%, which decreased to 15% postoperatively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.286, P<0.05). The median survival of 3 patients with positive CTCs was 5 months, and the median survival of 17 patients with negative CTCs was 8 months, the median survival of patients with negative CTCs was significantly longer than those patients with positive CTCs, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=5.552, P=0.0185). Conclusions It is of value to detect the circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood by MACS combined with RT-qPCR. CTCs is a potential indicator for predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer with cryoablation. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Circulating tumor cell; Prognosis; Cryosurgery