1
|
Allen TA. The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: Advances, Biology, Technical Challenges, and Clinical Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1377. [PMID: 38611055 PMCID: PMC11010957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with metastasis significantly contributing to its lethality. The metastatic spread of tumor cells, primarily through the bloodstream, underscores the importance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in oncological research. As a critical component of liquid biopsies, CTCs offer a non-invasive and dynamic window into tumor biology, providing invaluable insights into cancer dissemination, disease progression, and response to treatment. This review article delves into the recent advancements in CTC research, highlighting their emerging role as a biomarker in various cancer types. We explore the latest technologies and methods for CTC isolation and detection, alongside novel approaches to characterizing their biology through genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetic profiling. Additionally, we examine the clinical implementation of these findings, assessing how CTCs are transforming the landscape of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and management. By offering a comprehensive overview of current developments and potential future directions, this review underscores the significance of CTCs in enhancing our understanding of cancer and in shaping personalized therapeutic strategies, particularly for patients with metastatic disease.
Collapse
|
2
|
Pillai S, Kwan JC, Yaziji F, Yu H, Tran SD. Mapping the Potential of Microfluidics in Early Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3894. [PMID: 37568710 PMCID: PMC10417175 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) account for ~4% of all cancers in North America and encompass cancers affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. The anatomical complexity of the head and neck region, characterized by highly perfused and innervated structures, presents challenges in the early diagnosis and treatment of these cancers. The utilization of sub-microliter volumes and the unique phenomenon associated with microscale fluid dynamics have facilitated the development of microfluidic platforms for studying complex biological systems. The advent of on-chip microfluidics has significantly impacted the diagnosis and treatment strategies of HNC. Sensor-based microfluidics and point-of-care devices have improved the detection and monitoring of cancer biomarkers using biological specimens like saliva, urine, blood, and serum. Additionally, tumor-on-a-chip platforms have allowed the creation of patient-specific cancer models on a chip, enabling the development of personalized treatments through high-throughput screening of drugs. In this review, we first focus on how microfluidics enable the development of an enhanced, functional drug screening process for targeted treatment in HNCs. We then discuss current advances in microfluidic platforms for biomarker sensing and early detection, followed by on-chip modeling of HNC to evaluate treatment response. Finally, we address the practical challenges that hinder the clinical translation of these microfluidic advances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon D. Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; (S.P.); (J.C.K.); (F.Y.); (H.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smejkal J, Aubrecht P, Semerádtová A, Štofik M, Liegertová M, Malý J. Immunocapturing rare cells from blood: A simple and robust microsystem approach. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 227:115155. [PMID: 36821992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115155] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell immunocapture microsystems are a fast-emerging field with several potential medical diagnostic applications. Isolation and quantification of circulating rare cells (CRCs) show great importance in the early stages of disease diagnostics and prognostics. Here, we present a simple and robust stop-flow microsystem (fabricated by a combination of glass microblasting and 3D printing) based on a planar antibody-coated surface that is effective in the immunocapture of the model as well as naturally occurring rare cells. A chip with a planar immunocapture channel working in the so-called stop-flow dynamic regime was designed to enable monitoring the efficiency of the cell capture by fluorescence microscopy. Up to 90% immunocapture efficiency of MCF-7 cells spiked into whole blood on CD326 antibody-coated planar surfaces was achieved. We discuss the role of the planar surface modifications, the influence of the set stop-flow dynamic conditions, and medium complexity on the efficiency of cell immunocapture. The presented results could be further employed in the design of microsystems for cell-size-independent isolation and identification of rare cells from blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Smejkal
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Aubrecht
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Semerádtová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Liegertová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Recent Advances in Methods for Circulating Tumor Cell Detection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043902. [PMID: 36835311 PMCID: PMC9959336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043902] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are released from primary tumors and transported through the body via blood or lymphatic vessels before settling to form micrometastases under suitable conditions. Accordingly, several studies have identified CTCs as a negative prognostic factor for survival in many types of cancer. CTCs also reflect the current heterogeneity and genetic and biological state of tumors; so, their study can provide valuable insights into tumor progression, cell senescence, and cancer dormancy. Diverse methods with differing specificity, utility, costs, and sensitivity have been developed for isolating and characterizing CTCs. Additionally, novel techniques with the potential to overcome the limitations of existing ones are being developed. This primary literature review describes the current and emerging methods for enriching, detecting, isolating, and characterizing CTCs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Aktar S, Baghaie H, Islam F, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. Current Status of Circulating Tumor Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:988-1005. [PMID: 36939466 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are found in the blood of patients with cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The aim is to review the most up-to-date status of CTCs for applications in patients with HNSCC. DATA SOURCES English articles in PubMed. REVIEW METHODS All the studies on CTCs in HNSCCs in the literature were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS There is emerging information on the diagnostic and prognostic value of CTCs in HNSCCs. Evidence also highlights the advantages of various downstream analysis approaches over circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), such as single-CTC analysis, ex vivo, and in vivo expansion of CTCs. Multiple phenotypic surface markers (cytokeratins, EpCAM, vimentin, etc.), used for CTCs characterization using different immunoassays, could predict disease progression as well as patients' response to treatment efficacy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors' status in CTCs could also provide better insight into treatment. Clonal expansion of CTCs and single-cell analysis of CTCs are the most emerging fields nowadays which may offer an understanding of the mechanism of tumor evolution as well as therapeutic efficacy. Although several clinical trials are ongoing, limitations still exist in the detection and characterization of CTCs. Due to the lack of a gold standard protocol, the sensitivity and specificity of CTC enumeration methods vary. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Prospective clinical trials are still needed before CTCs can be employed as diagnostic and prognostic markers in the clinical management of patients with HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Aktar
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Hooman Baghaie
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Pathology Queensland, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dholariya S, Singh RD, Sonagra A, Yadav D, Vajaria BN, Parchwani D. Integrating Cutting-Edge Methods to Oral Cancer Screening, Analysis, and Prognosis. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:11-44. [PMID: 37830214 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023047772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Oral cancer (OC) has become a significant barrier to health worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. OC is among the most prevalent types of cancer that affect the head and neck region, and the overall survival rate at 5 years is still around 50%. Moreover, it is a multifactorial malignancy instigated by genetic and epigenetic variabilities, and molecular heterogeneity makes it a complex malignancy. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are often the first warning signs of OC, although it is challenging to predict which cases will develop into malignancies. Visual oral examination and histological examination are still the standard initial steps in diagnosing oral lesions; however, these approaches have limitations that might lead to late diagnosis of OC or missed diagnosis of OPMDs in high-risk individuals. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the currently used novel techniques viz., liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), microarray, nanotechnology, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) or microfluidics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for the clinical diagnostics and management of this malignancy. The potential of these novel techniques in expanding OC diagnostics and clinical management is also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Dholariya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| | - Ragini D Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| | - Amit Sonagra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| | | | | | - Deepak Parchwani
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|