Circulating tumor cells in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with survival of cancer patients. Several methods have been developed to detect circulating tumor cells. The number of CTCs in NSCLC is lower than in other solid tumors. To date, trials are ongoing for a better understanding of CTCs. Besides association with prognosis, CTCs can be used to assess the efficacy of treatment and they are important substrates for molecular profiling of the tumor.