Edwin M. Posadas, MD; Yi-Tsung Lu, MD; Leland WK Chung, PhD; Hsian-Rong Tseng, PhD
Urologic Oncology Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Department of Molecular Medicine and Pharmacology, UCLA
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy affecting men in the United States. More than 230,000 men will be diagnosed this year. While many cases will be indolent in nature, more than 28,000 men will die from this disease. Unlike many other malignancies, there is currently no useful molecular classification of disease. This is largely due to the long natural history and the predilection towards bone metastases which are not easily biopsied at most centers. Our collaborative research group has developed methodologies for collecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a NanoVelcro Chip. CTCs acquired in this fashion are amenable to molecular analysis including DNA and RNA sequencing. Incorporation of this technology into prospective clinical trials may allow greater information yield that will refine and improve our use of targeted therapies and other interventions moving us closer to personalized care in prostate cancer.