Compartmental differences of circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer.

Background: The prognostic role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been established for colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated the qualitative and quantitative detection of CTC in the central (CVBC) and mesenteric (MVBC) venous blood compartments to elucidate the patterns of hematogenous tumor cell dissemination in patients with CRC.

Methods: A total of 200 patients were enrolled prospectively.