Circulating Tumor Cells in Operative Blood

It is hypothesized that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma are released into the peritoneal cavity through blood lost during the surgical resection of these tumors resulting in peritoneal recurrence despite appropriate surgical resection. Targeting the mechanisms responsible for CTC adhesion to the peritoneum may result in inhibition of implantation and growth, thus preventing this mode of pancreatic cancer recurrence postoperatively.