Abstract 2090: Mutational analysis in circulating tumor cells (CTC):ScreenCell MB Filtration Unit and ICE COLD-PCR

The aim of this study was to validate the use of the ScreenCell® MB Filtration Unit for detection of mutations in Circulating Tumor Cells. This device allows physicians to easily isolate any CTCs using a simple blood draw which can be performed at a local doctor's office. This is especially important when trying to analyze CTCs in elderly patient populations and in regions where the large medical centers are far away. Once isolated, the filter containing the CTCs can be sent to a laboratory for DNA isolation and the mutation analysis. Mutational analysis using ICE COLD-PCR can then be performed without the use of expensive or specialized equipment. The mutation was characterized using standard Sanger DNA sequencing with a detection limit of 0.5 - 0.1% mutant sequence in the wild-type background. Results will be presented from a mock experiment where PC9 cells (EGFR exon 19 deletion: p.E746_A750del) or H1975 cells (EGFR exon 21: p.L858R) were spiked into blood and then these mock CTCs were collected on the ScreenCell Molecular Filter Device. Following DNA isolation, the mutations were easily detected at the lowest number of cells spiked in to the blood samples (10 cells). Additional data from CTCs collected from NSCLC patients detected the L858R point mutation, an exon 19 E746_A750del mutation, and an exon 19 E746_S752delinsV. Mutations in these same samples could not be detected in DNA sequencing following standard PCR amplification. These data show that the ScreenCell MB Filtration Unit coupled to mutational analysis using ICE COLD-PCR can be an easy, cost-effective method for collection and analysis of CTCs in patient blood samples. Moreover, the device is simple enough to be used in any doctor's office. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2090. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2090