Abstract: Methods use concurrent multiple cellular probes conjugated to fluorescent compounds of different wavelengths to characterize single cells that have been isolated from a body fluid using density gradient centrifugation. Specific antibodies, peptides, nucleotides or oligonucleotides are used as probes for both identification and characterization of a single cell.
Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and characterization of classes and subclasses of circulating cancer cells, including microtumors from body fluid samples using molecular, cytological, and morphological analyses, and methods for staging patients and measuring the efficacy of medical treatments.