Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterised by prevalent circulating tumour cells (CTCs), early metastasis and poor prognosis. The authors show that SCLC patients have a rare CTC subset with a vasculogenic mimicry (VM) phenotype, and that VM is associated with worse overall survival, and alters tumour growth, chemotherapy delivery and efficacy.
- Stuart C. Williamson
- Robert L. Metcalf
- Caroline Dive