Circulating endothelial cells and microparticles for prediction of tumor progression and outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and microparticles (MPs) are proposed as useful biosensors for angiogenesis and membrane damage in cancer.

Objective: We investigated their predictive value for progression disease (PD) and clinical outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 60 patients.