In this respect, we intend to introduce a so far not investigated and distinct inflammation-associated circulating rare cell phenotype herein denoted as the non-hematopoietic CD44−positive circulating rare cell (CD44+ CRC) which, can be identified using the CD326−/CD71−/CD44+/CD24−/CD45−/Hoechst+ phenotype. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.