Tumor vascularity in prostate cancer: An update on circulating endothelial cells and platelets as noninvasive biomarkers

Abstract

In order to individually tailor prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, clinicians need better tools to predict prognosis and treatment response. Given the relationship between angiogenesis and cancer progression, circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and their progenitors have logically been proposed as potential biomarkers. The utility of their baseline levels and kinetics has been investigated for years. However, owing to a lack of standardization and validation of CEC and circulating endothelial progenitors enumeration protocols, results have been inconsistent in prostate and other cancers. Similarly, platelets play a significant part in cancer progression, yet the role of platelet-related bioma..