Gastric cancer cells in peritoneal lavage fluid: a systematic review comparing cytological with molecular detection for diagnosis of peritoneal metastases and prediction of peritoneal recurrences
Background/Aim: Detecting free tumor cells in the peritoneal lavage fluid of gastric cancer patients permits to assess a more accurate prognosis, predict peritoneal recurrence and select cases for a more aggressive treatment. Currently, cytology and molecular biology comprise the two most popular methods of detection that are under constant study by researchers. Materials and Methods: We burrowed into the available literature comparing cytological with molecular detection of free intraperitoneal gastric cancer cells.