Trial Information

Molecular Profiling of Metastatic Cancer in Pleural Effusion and Ascites

Due to their easy accessibility, pleural effusions and ascites are two important clinical
sources of metastatic cancer cells, which upon isolation, permit comparative studies between
the biology nature of primary tumor and metastatic ones. In this study, we will try to
isolate cancer cells from human malignant effusions, said to be pleural effusions and/or
ascites. We will establish phenotypic alterations along the progression of malignant tumors
with serosal metastasis, with special emphasis on expression of some proteases, laminin
receptors and transcription factors involved in the process of invasion and metastasis. We
would also perform clinical correlations, including tumor type, staging, status of lymph
node metastasis and histopathological differentiation and grading, etc.