Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with high-risk, localized prostate cancer using the CellSearch platform.

e15178 Background: Enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using the CellSearch platform has prognostic value in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. However, the prognostic value of CTC enumeration in high-risk, localized prostate cancer (HRLPC) remains undefined. Methods: Patients with HRLPC (defined by ≥1 of the following criteria: ≥ cT3a disease, Gleason score 8-10, or PSA > 20 ng/mL) who have chosen prostatectomy for their definitive management were prospectively identified. Patients were consented to receive 4 sequential 30 mL blood draws, each collected in 3 separate 10 mL EDTA tubes. The first 2 blood draws were conducted 2 weeks prior and immediately prior to surgery, while the second 2 blood draws were conducted 4-6 weeks and 3 months following surgery. Within 4 hrs of blood collection, the white blood cell (WBC) fraction was pooled and Ficoll purified. The WBC fraction was transferred to a CellSave tube, and CTCs were enumerated using the CellSearch system. Expre...