| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nDisclosed is a very sensitive assay that combines immunomagnetic enrichment with flow cytometry analysis and immunocytochemical analysis to detect, count and characterize blood cancer cells. The assay can detect one or less epithelial cells in 1 ml of blood and is 1-2 orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional PCR or immunohistochemical methods. In addition, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of cancer cells. |