Inhibition of metastasis of circulating human prostate cancer cells in the chick embryo by an extracellular matrix produced by foreskin fibroblasts in culture.

We have previously demonstrated the increased metastatic potential of human prostate cancer circulating tumor cells (CTC), compared to their parental cells, in both orthotopic mouse models and the chick embryo model. In the current study, we asked whether an extracellular matrix (ECM), produced by human foreskin fibroblasts in culture, could inhibit PC-3 human prostate cancer CTC metastasis in the chick embryo model. The chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) of 18 chicken embryos were inoculated with either PC-3 human prostate cancer cells or PC-3 CTCs, both stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP).

A rapid imageable in vivo metastasis assay for circulating tumor cells.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are of great importance for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. It is necessary to improve the ability to image and analyze them for their biological properties which determine their behavior in the patient. In the present study, using immunomagnetic beads, CTCs were rapidly isolated from the circulation of mice orthotopically implanted with human PC-3 prostate cancer cells stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP).

Human Embryonic-like ECM (hECM) Stimulates Proliferation and Differentiation in Stem Cells While Killing Cancer Cells.

Background And Objectives: There are a number of unique processes seen in the developing fetus that cease post-partum including that tumors rarely form, and scar-less wound healing and digit regeneration occur. In addition, cancer lines have been "reprogrammed" by co-culture with embryonic extracellular matrix (ECM).

Methods And Results: We have developed a naturally secreted human ECM (hECM) with embryonic-like characteristics which is secreted by neonatal fibroblasts grown in microcarrier suspension cultures under hypoxia.