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Huang L, Xu Y, Wang N, Yi K, Xi X, Si H, Zhang Q, Xiang M, Rong Y, Yuan Y, Wang F. Next-Generation Preclinical Functional Testing Models in Cancer Precision Medicine: CTC-Derived Organoids. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301009. [PMID: 37882328 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Basic and clinical cancer research requires tumor models that consistently recapitulate the characteristics of prima tumors. As ex vivo 3D cultures of patient tumor cells, patient-derived tumor organoids possess the biological properties of primary tumors and are therefore excellent preclinical models for cancer research. Patient-derived organoids can be established using primary tumor tissues, peripheral blood, pleural fluid, ascites, and other samples containing tumor cells. Circulating tumor cells acquired by non-invasive sampling feature dynamic circulation and high heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell-derived organoids are prospective tools for the dynamic monitoring of tumor mutation evolution profiles because they reflect the heterogeneity of the original tumors to a certain extent. This review discusses the advantages and applications of patient-derived organoids. Meanwhile, this work highlights the biological functions of circulating tumor cells, the latest advancement in research of circulating tumor cell-derived organoids, and potential application and challenges of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxiang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kezhen Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaodan Xi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Huaqi Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuan Rong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Kahounová Z, Pícková M, Drápela S, Bouchal J, Szczyrbová E, Navrátil J, Souček K. Circulating tumor cell-derived preclinical models: current status and future perspectives. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:530. [PMID: 37591867 PMCID: PMC10435501 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the stages associated with metastasis remain largely incurable and represent the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The dissemination of cancer is facilitated by circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which originate from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and enter the bloodstream, subsequently spreading to distant parts of the body. CTCs have garnered significant attention in research due to their accessibility in peripheral blood, despite their low abundance. They are being extensively studied to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer dissemination and to identify effective therapeutic strategies for advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, substantial efforts have been directed towards establishing and characterizing relevant experimental models derived from CTCs, aiming to provide relevant tools for research. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in the establishment of preclinical CTC-derived models, such as CTC-derived xenografts (CDX) and cell cultures, which show promise for the study of CTCs. We discuss the advantages and limitations of these models and conclude by summarizing the potential future use of CTCs and CTC-derived models in cancer treatment decisions and their utility as precision medicine tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kahounová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Pícková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Drápela
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Szczyrbová
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Fernández-Santiago C, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Models to study CTCs and CTC culture methods. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:57-98. [PMID: 37739484 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of cancer-related deaths are due to the presence of disseminated disease. Understanding the metastatic process is key to achieving a reduction in cancer mortality. Particularly, there is a need to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis, which will allow the identification of curative treatments for metastatic cancers. Liquid biopsies have arisen as a minimally invasive approach to gain insights into the biology of metastasis. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs), shed to the circulation from the primary tumour or metastatic lesions, are a key component of liquid biopsy. As metastatic precursors, CTCs hold the potential to unravel the mechanisms involved in metastasis formation as well as new therapeutic strategies for treating metastatic disease. However, the complex biology of CTCs together with their low frequency in circulation are factors hampering an in-depth mechanistic investigation of the metastatic process. To overcome these problems, CTC-derived models, including CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) and CTC-derived ex vivo cultures, in combination with more traditional in vivo models of metastasis, have emerged as powerful tools to investigate the biological features of CTCs facilitating cancer metastasis and uncover new therapeutic opportunities. In this chapter, we provide an up to date view of the diverse models used in different cancers to study the biology of CTCs, and of the methods developed for CTC culture and expansion, in vivo and ex vivo. We also report some of the main challenges and limitations that these models are facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal Fernández-Santiago
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS/SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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Zhu Z, Hu E, Shen H, Tan J, Zeng S. The functional and clinical roles of liquid biopsy in patient-derived models. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:36. [PMID: 37031172 PMCID: PMC10082989 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The liquid biopsy includes the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC clusters in blood, as well as the detection of, cell-free DNA (cfDNA)/circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the patient's body fluid. Liquid biopsy has important roles in translational research. But its clinical utility is still under investigation. Newly emerged patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) faithfully recapitulate the genetic and morphological features of the donor patients' tumor and patient-derived organoid (PDO) can mostly mimic tumor growth, tumor microenvironment and its response to drugs. In this review, we describe how the development of these patient-derived models has assisted the studies of CTCs and CTC clusters in terms of tumor biological behavior exploration, genomic analysis, and drug testing, with the help of the latest technology. We then summarize the studies of EVs and cfDNA/ctDNA in PDX and PDO models in early cancer diagnosis, tumor burden monitoring, drug test and response monitoring, and molecular profiling. The challenges faced and future perspectives of research related to liquid biopsy using patient-derived models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Erya Hu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Tan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Di Sario G, Rossella V, Famulari ES, Maurizio A, Lazarevic D, Giannese F, Felici C. Enhancing clinical potential of liquid biopsy through a multi-omic approach: A systematic review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1152470. [PMID: 37077538 PMCID: PMC10109350 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1152470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, liquid biopsy gained increasing clinical relevance for detecting and monitoring several cancer types, being minimally invasive, highly informative and replicable over time. This revolutionary approach can be complementary and may, in the future, replace tissue biopsy, which is still considered the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. “Classical” tissue biopsy is invasive, often cannot provide sufficient bioptic material for advanced screening, and can provide isolated information about disease evolution and heterogeneity. Recent literature highlighted how liquid biopsy is informative of proteomic, genomic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations. These biomarkers can be detected and investigated using single-omic and, recently, in combination through multi-omic approaches. This review will provide an overview of the most suitable techniques to thoroughly characterize tumor biomarkers and their potential clinical applications, highlighting the importance of an integrated multi-omic, multi-analyte approach. Personalized medical investigations will soon allow patients to receive predictable prognostic evaluations, early disease diagnosis, and subsequent ad hoc treatments.
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Suvilesh KN, Manjunath Y, Pantel K, Kaifi JT. Preclinical models to study patient-derived circulating tumor cells and metastasis. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:355-371. [PMID: 36759267 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that are detached from the tumor can be precursors of metastasis. The majority of studies focus on enumeration of CTCs from patient blood to predict recurrence and therapy outcomes. Very few studies have managed to expand CTCs to investigate their functional dynamics with respect to genetic changes, tumorigenic potential, and response to drug treatment. A growing amount of evidence based on successful CTC expansion has revealed novel therapeutic targets that are associated with the process of metastasis. In this review, we summarize the successes, challenges, and limitations that collectively contribute to the better understanding of metastasis using patient-derived CTCs as blood-borne seeds of metastasis. The roadblocks and future avenues to move CTC-based scientific discoveries forward are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanve N Suvilesh
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute for Tumor Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Hugh E. Stephenson Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Balkrishna A, Mittal R, Arya V. Tumor Suppressive Role of MicroRNAs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3357-3367. [PMID: 38037837 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272489231124095922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers are highly aggressive, a heterogeneous form of breast cancer with a high re-occurrence rate that further lacks an efficient treatment strategy and prognostic marker. The tumor microenvironment of the disease comprises cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, immunological molecules, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and a metastatic microenvironment that contributes to disease progression and metastasis to distant sites. Emerging evidence indicated that miRNA clusters would be of clinical utility as they exert an oncogenic or tumor suppressor role in TNBC. The present review article aims to highlight the therapeutic significance of miRNA in targeting the above-mentioned signaling cascades and modulating the intracellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC. Prognostic implications of miRNAs to depict disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, relapse-free survival, and overall survival outcome were also unveiled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Rashmi Mittal
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Vedpriya Arya
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
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Liu S, Jia Y, Chai J, Ge H, Huang R, Li A, Cheng H. A Predictive Model for the Early Death of Breast Cancer With Synchronous Liver Metastases: A Population-Based Study. Cancer Control 2023; 30:10732748231202851. [PMID: 37724916 PMCID: PMC10510350 DOI: 10.1177/10732748231202851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) is a severe condition often resulting in early death. The identification of prognostic factors and the construction of accurate predictive models can guide clinical decision-making. METHODS A large sample of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was analyzed, including 3711 patients diagnosed with de novo BCLM between 2010 and 2015. Predictive models were developed using histograms, and stepwise regression addressed variable collinearity. Internal validation was performed, and results were compared to similar studies. RESULTS In this study of 3711 BCLM patients, 2571 didn't have early death. Out of the 1164 who died early, 1086 had cancer-specific early death. Prognostic factors for early death, including age, race, tumor size, and lymph node involvement, were identified. A nomogram based on these factors was constructed, accurately predicting early all-cause and cancer-specific death. CONCLUSIONS Valuable insights into the prognosis of BCLM patients were provided, and important prognostic factors for early death were identified. The developed nomogram can assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients for early death and inform treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yingxue Jia
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiaying Chai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Han Ge
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Shenzhen Clinical Medical School of Southern Medical University
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Tretyakova MS, Menyailo ME, Schegoleva AA, Bokova UA, Larionova IV, Denisov EV. Technologies for Viable Circulating Tumor Cell Isolation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415979. [PMID: 36555625 PMCID: PMC9788311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of tumor cells throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream is a critical step in metastasis, which continues to be the main cause of cancer-related death. The detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important for understanding the biology of metastasis and the development of antimetastatic therapy. However, the isolation of CTCs is challenging due to their high heterogeneity and low representation in the bloodstream. Different isolation methods have been suggested, but most of them lead to CTC damage. However, viable CTCs are an effective source for developing preclinical models to perform drug screening and model the metastatic cascade. In this review, we summarize the available literature on methods for isolating viable CTCs based on different properties of cells. Particular attention is paid to the importance of in vitro and in vivo models obtained from CTCs. Finally, we emphasize the current limitations in CTC isolation and suggest potential solutions to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S. Tretyakova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Maxim E. Menyailo
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
- Single Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Schegoleva
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
- Single Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ustinia A. Bokova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Irina V. Larionova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny V. Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
- Single Cell Biology Laboratory, Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +7-3822-282676 (ext. 3375)
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Signatures of Breast Cancer Progression in the Blood: What Could Be Learned from Circulating Tumor Cell Transcriptomes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225668. [PMID: 36428760 PMCID: PMC9688726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression profiling has revolutionized our understanding of cancer biology, showing an unprecedented ability to impact patient management especially in breast cancer. The vast majority of breast cancer gene expression signatures derive from the analysis of the tumor bulk, an experimental approach that limits the possibility to dissect breast cancer heterogeneity thoroughly and might miss the message hidden in biologically and clinically relevant cell populations. During disease progression or upon selective pressures, cancer cells undergo continuous transcriptional changes, which inevitably affect tumor heterogeneity, response to therapy and tendency to disseminate. Therefore, metastasis-associated signatures and transcriptome-wide gene expression measurement at single-cell resolution hold great promise for the future of breast cancer clinical care. Seen from this perspective, transcriptomics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent an attractive opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and develop novel biomarkers. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-science on CTC gene expression analysis in breast cancer, addresses technical and clinical issues related to the application of CTC-derived signatures, and discusses potential research directions.
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Lu H, Wu Z, Wang Y, Zhao D, Zhang B, Hong M. Study on inhibition of Britannin on triple-negative breast carcinoma through degrading ZEB1 proteins. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154291. [PMID: 35839735 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast carcinomas (TNBCs) are a breast carcinoma with the most aggressive form, which is demonstrated as enhanced invasion and recurrence. Britannin is extracted mainly from the traditional Chinese herb Inula japonica Thunb, and few studies have focused on its effect on TNBC. Moreover, there is still no report concerning the role of Britannin in degrading the transcripts of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) proteins. PURPOSE To explore the potential effect of Britannin on invasion and stemness of TNBCs and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Cellular activity was measured using MTT, and cell cycle was measured using flow cytometry (FCM). The effect of Britannin on the migrating and invading abilities of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells were measured using the wound healing and transwell assays. The sizes and number of breast carcinoma cells were measured by tumor formation assay and in vitro limiting-dilution assay. CD44 expression in tumor spheroids was tested by immunofluorescence assay. Nextly, the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and ZEB1 protein expressional level were detected by western blot . ZEB1 mRNA expressional level was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Drug affinity-responsive target stability (DARTS) method was used to detect the binding activity between Britannin and ZEB1. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analysis was applied to test the ubiquitination of ZEB1. The mouse models for experimental lung metastasis of 4T1 cells were established to detect the anti-metastasis effect of Britannin in vivo, and the expressional levels of EMT markers in lung metastases were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Britannin could inhibit cell growth and G2/M arrest in TNBC cells. Britannin could inhibit the migrating and invading ability without inducing severe apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells. Meanwhile, Britannin reduced the size and number of spheroids formed in these two cells, and decreased the expressional level of stem cells biomarker CD44 in tumor spheroids. Mechanism research showed that Britannin specifically bound to ZEB1 and induced its ubiquitination in MDA-MB-231 cells. Afterwards, Britannin disturbed protein stability and promoted ZEB1 protein degradation. Importantly, Britannin could not inhibit cell invasion and spheroid formation after ZEB1 expression was knocked down. Finally, Britannin inhibition of 4T1 cell metastasis was confirmed through establishing mouse models for the experimental lung metastasis. It was proved that both Britannin and paclitaxel could decrease the lung metastases, and Britannin could also down-regulate the protein expressional levels of ZEB1, MMP9 and CD44. CONCLUSION This study reveals that Britannin suppresses the invasion and metastasis of TNBC cells through degrading ZEB1, which suggests that Britannin can be used to prevent tumor metastasis and recurrence via degrading ZEB1proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zhengyu Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12, Wulumuqi middle Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Biyun Zhang
- Department of Nuclear medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Mei Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanjing Chest Hospital, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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12
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Basic Science with Preclinical Models to Investigate and Develop Liquid Biopsy: What Are the Available Data and Is It a Fruitful Approach? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105343. [PMID: 35628154 PMCID: PMC9141279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular analysis of circulating analytes (circulating tumor-DNA (ctDNA), -cells (CTCs) and -RNA (ctRNA)/exosomes) deriving from solid tumors and detected in the bloodstream—referred as liquid biopsy—has emerged as one of the most promising concepts in cancer management. Compelling data have evidenced its pivotal contribution and unique polyvalence through multiple applications. These data essentially derived from translational research. Therewith, data on liquid biopsy in basic research with preclinical models are scarce, a concerning lack that has been widely acknowledged in the field. This report aimed to comprehensively review the available data on the topic, for each analyte. Only 17, 17 and 2 studies in basic research investigated ctDNA, CTCs and ctRNA/exosomes, respectively. Albeit rare, these studies displayed noteworthy relevance, demonstrating the capacity to investigate questions related to the biology underlying analytes release that could not be explored via translational research with human samples. Translational, clinical and technological sectors of liquid biopsy may benefit from basic research and should take note of some important findings generated by these studies. Overall, results underscored the need to intensify the efforts to conduct future studies on liquid biopsy in basic research with new preclinical models.
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13
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Functional analysis of circulating tumour cells: the KEY to understand the biology of the metastatic cascade. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:800-810. [PMID: 35484215 PMCID: PMC9427839 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis formation is the main cause of cancer-related death in patients with solid tumours. At the beginning of this process, cancer cells escape from the primary tumour to the blood circulation where they become circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Only a small subgroup of CTCs will survive during the harsh journey in the blood and colonise distant sites. The in-depth analysis of these metastasis-competent CTCs is very challenging because of their extremely low concentration in peripheral blood. So far, only few groups managed to expand in vitro and in vivo CTCs to be used as models for large-scale descriptive and functional analyses of CTCs. These models have shown already the high variability and complexity of the metastatic cascade in patients with cancer, and open a new avenue for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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14
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De Angelis ML, Francescangeli F, Nicolazzo C, Signore M, Giuliani A, Colace L, Boe A, Magri V, Baiocchi M, Ciardi A, Scarola F, Spada M, La Torre F, Gazzaniga P, Biffoni M, De Maria R, Zeuner A. An organoid model of colorectal circulating tumor cells with stem cell features, hybrid EMT state and distinctive therapy response profile. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:86. [PMID: 35260172 PMCID: PMC8903172 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are responsible for the metastatic dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC) to the liver, lungs and lymph nodes. CTCs rarity and heterogeneity strongly limit the elucidation of their biological features, as well as preclinical drug sensitivity studies aimed at metastasis prevention. Methods We generated organoids from CTCs isolated from an orthotopic CRC xenograft model. CTCs-derived organoids (CTCDOs) were characterized through proteome profiling, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, tumor-forming capacity and drug screening assays. The expression of intra- and extracellular markers found in CTCDOs was validated on CTCs isolated from the peripheral blood of CRC patients. Results CTCDOs exhibited a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) state and an increased expression of stemness-associated markers including the two homeobox transcription factors Goosecoid and Pancreatic Duodenal Homeobox Gene-1 (PDX1), which were also detected in CTCs from CRC patients. Functionally, CTCDOs showed a higher migratory/invasive ability and a different response to pathway-targeted drugs as compared to xenograft-derived organoids (XDOs). Specifically, CTCDOs were more sensitive than XDOs to drugs affecting the Survivin pathway, which decreased the levels of Survivin and X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) inducing CTCDOs death. Conclusions These results indicate that CTCDOs recapitulate several features of colorectal CTCs and may be used to investigate the features of metastatic CRC cells, to identify new prognostic biomarkers and to devise new potential strategies for metastasis prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02263-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Signore
- RPPA Unit, Proteomics Area, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lidia Colace
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Baiocchi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ciardi
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Scarola
- Department of Surgery "Pietro Valdoni", Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Center of Animal Research and Welfare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo La Torre
- Surgical Sciences and Emergency Department, Policlinico Umberto I/Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Liquid Biopsy Unit, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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15
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Papadaki MA, Agelaki S. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Uncovers Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cell Subsets in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051314. [PMID: 35267622 PMCID: PMC8909171 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Papadaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394712
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16
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Rupp B, Ball H, Wuchu F, Nagrath D, Nagrath S. Circulating tumor cells in precision medicine: challenges and opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:378-391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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17
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Evaluation of Liquid Biopsy in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6388492. [PMID: 34901275 PMCID: PMC8664526 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6388492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the common malignant tumors, and liquid biopsy has become a hot spot for clinical testing. To clarify the detection effect of liquid biopsy in breast cancer, we collected peripheral blood of HER2-positive (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive) patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were isolated and analyzed. HER2 expression on CTCs was detected. The results showed that in the 198 HER2-positive samples, the CTC detection rate was 79.8% (158/198), and the mean number of CTCs was 21, ranging from 1 to 63/7.5 mL peripheral blood. Only 41.1% (65/158) of patients had histology and CTC HER2 status consistent with the remaining 58.9% (93/158) of patients, although their histological HER2 was positive, and CTC HER2 was negative. Our study confirmed the value of CTC HER2 real-time status testing in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The inconsistency in HER2 status between CTCs and histology may be related to the time interval between CTCs and histological HER2 detection, suggesting that real-time HER2 detection is necessary for histological HER2-positive patients.
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18
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Terasawa H, Kinugasa H, Nouso K, Yamamoto S, Hirai M, Tanaka T, Takaki A, Okada H. Circulating tumor DNA dynamics analysis in a xenograft mouse model with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7134-7143. [PMID: 34887633 PMCID: PMC8613646 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i41.7134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unclear which factors, such as tumor volume and tumor invasion, influence circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and the origin of ctDNA in liquid biopsy is always problematic. To use liquid biopsies clinically, it will be very important to address these questions.
AIM To assess the origin of ctDNA, clarify the dynamics of ctDNA levels, assess ctDNA levels by using a xenograft mouse after treatment, and to determine whether tumor volume and invasion are related to ctDNA levels.
METHODS Tumor xenotransplants were established by inoculating BALB/c-nu/nu mice with the TE11 cell line. Groups of mice were injected with xenografts at two or four sites and sacrificed at the appropriate time point after xenotransplantation for ctDNA analysis. Analysis of ctDNA was performed by droplet digital PCR, using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene.
RESULTS Mice given two-site xenografts were sacrificed for ctDNA at week 4 and week 8. No hTERT was detected at week 4, but it was detected at week 8. However, in four-site xenograft mice, hTERT was detected both at week 4 and week 6. These experiments revealed that both tumor invasion and tumor volume were associated with the detection of ctDNA. In resection experiments, hTERT was detected at resection, but had decreased by 6 h, and was no longer detected 1 and 3 d after resection.
CONCLUSION We clarified the origin and dynamics of ctDNA, showing that tumor volume is an important factor. We also found that when the tumor was completely resected, ctDNA was absent after one or more days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Terasawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kinugasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Shumpei Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Mami Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Takehiro Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 7008558, Japan
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19
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Rossi T, Gallerani G, Martinelli G, Maltoni R, Fabbri F. Circulating Tumor Cells as a Tool to Untangle the Breast Cancer Heterogeneity Issue. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091242. [PMID: 34572427 PMCID: PMC8466266 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a disease characterized by high degrees of heterogeneity at morphologic, genomic, and genetic levels, even within the same tumor mass or among patients. As a consequence, different subpopulations coexist and less represented clones may have a selective advantage, significantly influencing the outcome of BC patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a rare population of cells with a crucial role in metastatic cascade, and in recent years have represented a fascinating alternative to overcome the heterogeneity issue as a “liquid biopsy”. However, besides the raw enumeration of these cells in advanced epithelial tumors, there are no CTC-based assays applied in the clinical practice to improve personalized medicine. In this review, we report the latest findings in the field of CTCs for intra-tumoral heterogeneity unmasking in BC, supporting the need to deepen their analysis to investigate their role in metastatic process and include the molecular characterization in the clinical practice. In the future, CTCs will be helpful in monitoring patients during treatment, as well as to better address therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.G.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0549-73-9982
| | - Giulia Gallerani
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.G.); (F.F.)
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- Healthcare Administration, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.G.); (F.F.)
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20
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Yu Z, Song M, Chouchane L, Ma X. Functional Genomic Analysis of Breast Cancer Metastasis: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133276. [PMID: 34208889 PMCID: PMC8268362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis remains the greatest cause of fatalities in breast cancer patients world-wide. The process of metastases is highly complex, and the current research efforts in this area are still rather fragmented. The revolution of genomic profiling methods to analyze samples from human and animal models dramatically improved our understanding of breast cancer metastasis. This article summarizes the recent breakthroughs in genomic analyses of breast cancer metastasis and discusses their implications for prognostic and therapeutic applications. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and is the second cause of cancer related death in women. The most frequent cause of BC-related deaths, like many cancers, is metastasis. However, metastasis is a complicated and poorly understood process for which there is a shortage of accurate prognostic indicators and effective treatments. With the rapid and ever-evolving development and application of genomic sequencing technologies, many novel molecules were identified that play previously unappreciated and important roles in the various stages of metastasis. In this review, we summarize current advancements in the functional genomic analysis of BC metastasis and discuss about the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications from the recent genomic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (X.M.)
| | - Mei Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar;
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA;
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (X.M.)
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21
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Wang J, Li Y, Wang R, Han C, Xu S, You T, Li Y, Xia J, Xu X, Wang D, Tang H, Yang C, Chen X, Peng Z. A Fully Automated and Integrated Microfluidic System for Efficient CTC Detection and Its Application in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening and Prognosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:30174-30186. [PMID: 34142547 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c06337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is regarded as a useful diagnostic index to monitor tumor development and guide precision medicine. Although the immunoassay is a common strategy for CTC identification and heterogeneity characterization, it is challenged by poor reaction efficiency and laborious manipulations in microdevices, which hinder the sensitivity, throughput, simplification, and applicability. To meet the need for rapid, sensitive, and simple CTC analysis, we developed an efficient CTC detection system by integrating a 3D printed off-chip multisource reagent platform, a bubble retainer, and a single CTC capture microchip, which can achieve CTC capture and identification within 90 min. Compared with traditional CTC identification methods, this system decreases immunostaining time and antibody consumption by 90% and performs the on-chip immunoassay in a fully automated manner. Using this system, CTCs from the peripheral blood of 19 patients with various cancers were captured, detected, and compared with clinical data. The system shows great potential for early screening, real-time monitoring, and precision medicine for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the advantages of automation, stability, economy, and user-friendly operation, the proposed system is promising for clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 20080, China
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shiquan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Tingting You
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Junjie Xia
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Xing Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Huamei Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, The Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Micro/Nano Fabrication, Department of Micro/Nano Electronics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhihai Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Pathology, Department of Ultrasound, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Organ Transplantation Institute of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ and Tissue Regeneration, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 20080, China
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22
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Yang M, Zhang C. The role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in cancer liver metastasis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1845-1860. [PMID: 34094657 PMCID: PMC8167702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are the gatekeeper cells in the liver, contributing critical roles in liver physiological and pathological changes. Factors such as dietary macronutrients, toxins, and aging impact LSEC fenestration. Defenestration of LSECs changes their phenotype and function. Under liver injury, capillarized LSECs promote hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and fibrogenesis, while decapillarized LSECs protect the activation of HSCs and liver injury. The expression of chemokines, such as CXCL9 and CXCL16, changes and impacts the infiltration of immune cells in the liver during disease progression, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As the largest solid organ, liver is one of the most favorable organs into where tumor cells metastasize. The increased interaction and adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with LSECs in the local microenvironment and LSEC-induced tolerance of immunity promote cancer liver metastasis. Several strategies can be applied to target LSEC to modulate their function to prevent cancer liver metastasis, including gut microbiota modulation, microRNA therapy, and medical treatment. Delivery of different treatment agents with nanoparticles may promote precise target treatment. Overall, targeting LSECs is a potential strategy for treatment of early liver diseases and prevention of cancer liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of MissouriColumbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Chunye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of MissouriColumbia, Missouri, USA
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23
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RNA-Based CTC Analysis Provides Prognostic Information in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030513. [PMID: 33799422 PMCID: PMC7998407 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In metastatic breast cancer (MBC) the molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provides a unique tool to understand metastasis-biology and therapy-resistance. We evaluated the prognostic significance of gene expression in EpCAM(+) CTCs in 46 MBC patients based on a long follow-up. We selected a panel consisting of stem cell markers (CD24, CD44, ALDH1), the mesenchymal marker TWIST1, receptors (ESR1, PGR, HER2, EGFR) and the epithelial marker CK-19. Singleplex RT-qPCR was used for TWIST1 and CK-19 and multiplex RT-qPCR for stem cell markers and receptors. A group of 19 healthy donors (HD) was used as control. Univariate (p = 0.001) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.002) revealed the prognostic value of combined gene expression of CK-19(+), CD44high/CD24low, ALDH1high/CD24low and HER2 over-expression for overall survival (OS). The Kaplan–Meier estimates of OS were significantly different in patients positive for CK-19 (p = 0.028), CD44high/CD24low (p = 0.002), ALDH1high/CD24low (p = 0.007) and HER2-positive (p = 0.022). Our results indicate that combined gene expression analysis in EpCAM(+) CTCs provides prognostic information in MBC.
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Yu T, Wang C, Xie M, Zhu C, Shu Y, Tang J, Guan X. Heterogeneity of CTC contributes to the organotropism of breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111314. [PMID: 33581649 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are viewed as pro-metastasis precursors shed from primary tumors or metastatic sites. The phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity of CTCs is associated with breast cancer progression and prognosis. Therefore, we divided CTCs into several subtypes according to their differences in biomarker status, epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, aggregation status, and other factors to summarize their characteristics. Considering that the organ-specific metastasis is a hallmark of breast cancer, we adopted the "seed and soil" model to further analyze the relationship between the heterogeneity of CTCs and the organotropism of breast cancer. We speculated that CTCs might not only develop their genetic potential but communicate with surroundings, including chemokine systems, hemocytes, and extracellular matrix components, to regulate the organ-specific metastases of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cenzhu Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyan Xie
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhai Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Rupp T, Pelouin O, Genest L, Legrand C, Froget G, Castagné V. Therapeutic potential of Fingolimod in triple negative breast cancer preclinical models. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100926. [PMID: 33157518 PMCID: PMC7649527 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fingolimod represses triple negative breast cancer cells survival in vitro by inducing cell apoptosis. Fingolimod represses triple negative breast cancer progression in orthotopic graft murine in vivo models. Fingolimod represses spleen and liver metastases without affecting lung metastasis in murine in vivo models. In contrast with Cisplatin, Fingolimod is well tolerated in murine in vivo models.
Surgery followed by a chemotherapy agent is the first-line treatment for breast cancer patients. Nevertheless, new targets are required for women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in order to improve the treatment of this aggressive cancer subtype. Multiple pro-inflammatory molecules including lipid-based substances such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) promote cancer progression. In this preclinical study, we aim to investigate the efficacy of Fingolimod, an inhibitor of S1P / S1P receptors axis, already approved as an immunomodulator in multiple sclerosis. The impact of Fingolimod was analyzed using in vitro 2D and 3D cell survival analysis and in vivo orthotopic graft models, using mouse and human TNBC cells implanted in immunocompetent or immunodeficient mice, respectively. Resection of the tumor primary mass was also performed to mimic the clinical standard of care. We demonstrated that Fingolimod repressed tumor cell survival in vitro. We also showed in preclinical mouse TNBC models that Fingolimod repressed tumor progression and liver and spleen metastases without apparent adverse effects on the animals. Our data indicate that Fingolimod induces tumor cells apoptosis and thereby represses tumor progression. Globally, our data suggest that Fingolimod merits further evaluation as a potential therapeutic opportunity for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Rupp
- Porsolt SAS, ZA de Glatigné, 53940 Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France.
| | - Océane Pelouin
- Porsolt SAS, ZA de Glatigné, 53940 Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France
| | - Laurie Genest
- Porsolt SAS, ZA de Glatigné, 53940 Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France
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26
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Zhang Q, Rong Y, Yi K, Huang L, Chen M, Wang F. Circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: single-cell based analysis, preclinical models, and clinical applications. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:12060-12071. [PMID: 33204329 PMCID: PMC7667686 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed into the bloodstream from primary tumors and metastatic lesions and provide significant information about tumor progression and metastasis. CTCs contribute to tumor metastasis through the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CTC clusters and stem-like phenotypes lead to a more aggressive and metastatic potential. CTCs retain the heterogeneity and imitate the nature of corresponding primary tumors. Therefore, it is important to use single-cell based analysis to obtain information on tumor heterogeneity and biology. CTCs are also good candidates for building preclinical models (especially 3D organoid cultures) for drug screening, disease modeling, genome editing, tumor immunity research, and organ-like biobank establishment. In this article, we summarize the current CTC capture technology, dissect the phenotypes associated with CTC metastasis, and review the progress in single-cell based analysis and preclinical modeling of the pattern and kinetics of CTCs. In particular, we discuss the use of CTCs to assess the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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27
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Werno C, Honarnejad K, Polzer B. Predicting therapy response by analysis of metastasis founder cells: emerging perspectives for personalized tumor therapy. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1831910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Werno
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kamran Honarnejad
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Polzer
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
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28
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Molecular Interplay between Dormant Bone Marrow-Resident Cells (BMRCs) and CTCs in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061626. [PMID: 32575420 PMCID: PMC7352937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread knowledge that bone marrow-resident breast cancer cells (BMRCs) affect tumor progression, signaling mechanisms of BMRCs implicated in maintaining long-term dormancy have not been characterized. To overcome these hurdles, we developed a new experimental model of clinical dormancy employing patient-isolated Circulating Tumor Cells (de novo CTCs) and their injection in xenografts with subsequent tumor monitoring and CTC characterization (ex vivo CTCs). We hypothesized that significant distinctions exist between signaling pathways of bone marrow-homing vs metastasis-competent CTCs upon transplantation in xenografts. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of ex vivo vs de novo CTCs identified increased mTOR signaling—a critical pathway frequently dysregulated in breast cancer and implicated in cell survival and dormancy—with contrasting actions by its two complementary arms (mTORC2/mTORC1). Heightened mTORC2 downstream targets augmented quiescent CTCs (Ki67−/RBL2+ cells) in paired breast cancer tissues, along with high mTORC2 activity in solitary BMRCs and tissue-resident CTCs. Further, shRNA mediated the knockdown of RICTOR, an essential component of mTORC2, and augmented Ki67/PCNA biomarker expression and proliferation. Collectively, these findings suggest that the balance between mTORC1 vs mTORC2 signaling regulates CTC-associated mitotic and/or dormancy characteristics.
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29
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EMT-Associated Heterogeneity in Circulating Tumor Cells: Sticky Friends on the Road to Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061632. [PMID: 32575608 PMCID: PMC7352430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. Accordingly, EMTs play a crucial role in the biology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. Here, we review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, further supporting the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
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30
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Advances in the Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Single Cell Analyses and Interactions, and Patient-Derived Models for Drug Testing. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1220:61-80. [PMID: 32304080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35805-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer death worldwide. In metastatic breast cancer, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be captured from patient blood samples sequentially over time and thereby serve as surrogates to assess the biology of surviving cancer cells that may still persist in solitary or multiple metastatic sites following treatment. CTCs may thus function as potential real-time decision-making guides for selecting appropriate therapies during the course of disease or for the development and testing of new treatments. The heterogeneous nature of CTCs warrants the use of single cell platforms to better inform our understanding of these cancer cells. Current techniques for single cell analyses and techniques for investigating interactions between cancer and immune cells are discussed. In addition, methodologies for growing patient-derived CTCs in vitro or propagating them in vivo to facilitate CTC drug testing are reviewed. We advocate the use of CTCs in appropriate microenvironments to appraise the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and for the development of new cancer treatments, fundamental to personalizing and improving the clinical management of metastatic breast cancer.
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31
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Tayoun T, Faugeroux V, Oulhen M, Aberlenc A, Pawlikowska P, Farace F. CTC-Derived Models: A Window into the Seeding Capacity of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). Cells 2019; 8:E1145. [PMID: 31557946 PMCID: PMC6829286 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related death owing to the blood-borne dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) early in the process. A rare fraction of CTCs harboring a stem cell profile and tumor initiation capacities is thought to possess the clonogenic potential to seed new lesions. The highest plasticity has been generally attributed to CTCs with a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, demonstrating a large heterogeneity among these cells. Therefore, detection and functional characterization of these subclones may offer insight into mechanisms underlying CTC tumorigenicity and inform on the complex biology behind metastatic spread. Although an in-depth mechanistic investigation is limited by the extremely low CTC count in circulation, significant progress has been made over the past few years to establish relevant systems from patient CTCs. CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) models and CTC-derived ex vivo cultures have emerged as tractable systems to explore tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and uncover new therapeutic targets. Here, we introduce basic knowledge of CTC biology, including CTC clusters and evidence for EMT/cancer stem cell (CSC) hybrid phenotypes. We report and evaluate the CTC-derived models generated to date in different types of cancer and shed a light on challenges and key findings associated with these novel assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala Tayoun
- "Circulating Tumor Cells" Translational Platform, CNRS UMS3655 - INSERM US23AMMICA, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94270 Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France.
| | - Vincent Faugeroux
- "Circulating Tumor Cells" Translational Platform, CNRS UMS3655 - INSERM US23AMMICA, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Marianne Oulhen
- "Circulating Tumor Cells" Translational Platform, CNRS UMS3655 - INSERM US23AMMICA, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Agathe Aberlenc
- "Circulating Tumor Cells" Translational Platform, CNRS UMS3655 - INSERM US23AMMICA, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Patrycja Pawlikowska
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Françoise Farace
- "Circulating Tumor Cells" Translational Platform, CNRS UMS3655 - INSERM US23AMMICA, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
- INSERM, U981 "Identification of Molecular Predictors and new Targets for Cancer Treatment", F-94805 Villejuif, France.
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32
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CTCs 2020: Great Expectations or Unreasonable Dreams. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090989. [PMID: 31461978 PMCID: PMC6769853 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cellular elements that can be scattered into the bloodstream from primary cancer, metastasis, and even from a disseminated tumor cell (DTC) reservoir. CTCs are “seeds”, able to give rise to new metastatic lesions. Since metastases are the cause of about 90% of cancer-related deaths, the significance of CTCs is unquestionable. However, two major issues have stalled their full clinical exploitation: rarity and heterogeneity. Therefore, their full clinical potential has only been predicted. Finding new ways of studying and using such tremendously rare and important events can open new areas of research in the field of cancer research, and could drastically improve tumor companion diagnostics, personalized treatment strategies, overall patients management, and reduce healthcare costs.
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