We demonstrated that the CellCollector is an appropriate tool for detecting CTCs in RCC patients. We examined EpCAM and MUC1 expression levels in RCC tissues and cell lines and analyzed the detection rate of CTCs in blood samples ex vivo using an anti-EpCAM antibody-covered straight or spiraled CellCollector. Eight matched samples were examined for affinity to the anti-EpCAM vs. anti-EpCAM/anti-MUC1 antibody-covered wire. The use of this combination of antibodies allowed us to classify patients with lung metastasis. Finally, four patients were analyzed in vivo. In conclusion, both straight (ex vivo, in vivo) and spiraled (ex vivo) wires detected CTCs.
Keywords: CTC; CellCollector; MUC1; RCC; circulating tumor cells; mucin; renal carcinoma.