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Lai HC, Huang HH, Hao YJ, Lee HL, Wang CC, Ling TY, Wu JK, Tseng FG. A Preliminary Analysis of Circulating Tumor Microemboli from Breast Cancer Patients during Follow-Up Visits. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:5677-5693. [PMID: 39330049 PMCID: PMC11431662 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31090421] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most breast cancer-related deaths are caused by distant metastases and drug resistance. It is important to find appropriate biomarkers to monitor the disease and to predict patient responses after treatment early and accurately. Many studies have found that clustered circulating tumor cells, with more correlations with metastatic cancer and poor survival of patients than individual ones, are promising biomarkers. METHODS Eighty samples from eleven patients with breast cancer during follow-up visits were examined. By using a microfluidic chip and imaging system, the number of circulating tumor cells and microemboli (CTC/CTM) were counted to assess the distribution in stratified patients and the potential in predicting the disease condition of patients after treatments during follow-up visits. Specific components and subtypes of CTM were also preliminarily investigated. RESULTS Compared to CTC, CTM displayed a distinguishable distribution in stratified patients, having a better AUC value, in predicting the disease progression of breast cancer patients during follow-up visits in this study. Four subtypes were categorized from the identified CTM by considering different components. In combination with CEA and CA153, enumerated CTC and CTM from individual patients were applied to monitor the disease condition and patient response to the therapy during follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS The CTM and its subtypes are promising biomarkers and valuable tools for studying cancer metastasis and longitudinally monitoring cancer patients during follow-up visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chih Lai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Hua Huang
- Division of Breast Surgery Clinic, En Chu Kong Hospital, No. 258, Zhongshan Rd., Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Jie Hao
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ling Lee
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Chan Wang
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, No. 33, Linsen S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100025, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kuei Wu
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Biomedical Science and Engineering Center, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Sec. 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, No.28, Alley 70, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang District, Taipei City 115201, Taiwan
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Portella L, Bertolini G, Guardascione G, Di Febbraro DG, Ieranò C, D'Alterio C, Rea G, Napolitano M, Santagata S, Trotta AM, Camerlingo R, Scarpa E, Cecere SC, Ottaiano A, Palumbo G, Morabito A, Somma T, De Rosa G, Mayol L, Pacelli R, Pignata S, Scala S. CXCL12-loaded-hydrogel (CLG): A new device for metastatic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) capturing and characterization. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35524. [PMID: 39170328 PMCID: PMC11336720 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) represent a small, heterogeneous population that comprise the minority of cells able to develop metastasis. To trap and characterize CTCs with metastatic attitude, a CXCL12-loaded hyaluronic-gel (CLG) was developed. CXCR4+cells with invasive capability would infiltrate CLG. Methods Human colon, renal, lung and ovarian cancer cells (HT29, A498, H460 and OVCAR8 respectively) were seeded on 150 μl Empty Gels (EG) or 300 ng/ml CXCL12 loaded gel (CLG) and allowed to infiltrate for 16 h. Gels were then digested and fixed with 2 % FA-HAse for human cancer cell enumeration or digested with HAse and cancer cells recovered. CLG-recovered cells migrated toward CXCL12 and were tested for colonies/spheres formation. Moreover, CXCR4, E-Cadherin and Vimentin expression was assessed through flow cytometry and RT-PCR. The clinical trial "TRAP4MET" recruited 48 metastatic/advanced cancer patients (8 OC, 8 LC, 8 GBM, 8 EC, 8 RCC and 8 EC). 10 cc whole blood were devoted to PBMCs extraction (7 cc) and ScreenCell™ filters (3 cc) CTCs evaluation. Ficoll-isolated patient's PBMCs were seeded over CLG and allowed to infiltrate for 16 h; gels were digested and fixed with 2 % FA-HAse, cells stained and DAPI+/CD45-/pan-CK + cells enumerated as CTCs. Results Human cancer cells infiltrate CLG more efficiently than EG (CLG/EG ratio 1.25 for HT29/1.58 for A498/1.71 for H460 and 2.83 for OVCAR8). CLG-recovered HT29 cells display hybrid-mesenchymal features [low E-cadherin (40 %) and high vimentin (235 %) as compared to HT29], CXCR4 two-fold higher than HT29, efficiently migrate toward CXCL12 (two-fold higher than HT29) and developed higher number of colonies (171 ± 21 for HT29-CLG vs 131 ± 8 colonies for HT29)/larger spheres (spheroid area: 26561 ± 6142 μm2 for HT29-CLG vs 20297 ± 7238 for HT29). In TRAP4MET clinical trial, CLG-CTCs were isolated in 8/8 patients with OC, 6/8 with LC, 6/8 with CRC, 8/8 with EC, 8/8 with RCC cancer and 5/8 with GBM. Interestingly, in OC, LC and GBM, CLG isolated higher number of CTCs as compared to the conventional ScreenCell™ (CLG/SC ratio = 1.88 for OC, 2.47 for LC and 11.89 for GBM). Bland and Altman blot analysis and Passing and Bablok regression analysis showed concordance between the methodological approaches but indicate that SC and CLG are not superimposable suggesting that the two systems select cells with different features. Conclusion CLG might represent a new and easy tool to isolate invasive CTCs in multiple cancers such as OC, LC and GBM at today orphan of reliable methods to consistently detect CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- Tumor Genomic Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Dario Guido Di Febbraro
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosa Camerlingo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Emilia Scarpa
- Gynecology Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabrina Chiara Cecere
- Gynecology Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuliano Palumbo
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Somma
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | | | - Laura Mayol
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Roberto Pacelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Gynecology Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy
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Smit DJ, Schneegans S, Pantel K. Clinical applications of circulating tumor cells in patients with solid tumors. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:403-411. [PMID: 38281256 PMCID: PMC11374849 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10267-5] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The concept of liquid biopsy analysis has been established more than a decade ago. Since the establishment of the term, tremendous advances have been achieved and plenty of methods as well as analytes have been investigated in basic research as well in clinical trials. Liquid biopsy refers to a body fluid-based biopsy that is minimal-invasive, and most importantly, allows dense monitoring of tumor responses by sequential blood sampling. Blood is the most important analyte for liquid biopsy analyses, providing an easily accessible source for a plethora of cells, cell-derived products, free nucleic acids, proteins as well as vesicles. More than 12,000 publications are listed in PubMed as of today including the term liquid biopsy. In this manuscript, we critically review the current implications of liquid biopsy, with special focus on circulating tumor cells, and describe the hurdles that need to be addressed before liquid biopsy can be implemented in clinical standard of care guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research, Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Schneegans
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- Fleur Hiege Center for Skin Cancer Research, Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Zdrenka M, Kowalewski A, Ahmadi N, Sadiqi RU, Chmura Ł, Borowczak J, Maniewski M, Szylberg Ł. Refining PD-1/PD-L1 assessment for biomarker-guided immunotherapy: A review. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:14-29. [PMID: 37877810 PMCID: PMC10787614 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) immunotherapy is an increasingly crucial in cancer treatment. To date, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining protocols, commercially available in the form of "kits", facilitating testing for PD-L1 expression. These kits comprise four PD-L1 antibodies on two separate IHC platforms, each utilizing distinct, non-interchangeable scoring systems. Several factors, including tumor heterogeneity and the size of the tissue specimens assessed, can lead to PD-L1 status misclassification, potentially hindering the initiation of therapy. Therefore, the development of more accurate predictive biomarkers to distinguish between responders and non-responders prior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy warrants further research. Achieving this goal necessitates refining sampling criteria, enhancing current methods of PD-L1 detection, and deepening our understanding of the impact of additional biomarkers. In this article, we review potential solutions to improve the predictive accuracy of PD-L1 assessment in order to more precisely anticipate patients' responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, monitor disease progression and predict clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Zdrenka
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Łukasz Chmura
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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5
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Bohaumilitzky L, Gebert J, Doeberitz MVK, Kloor M, Ahadova A. Liquid biopsy-based early tumor and minimal residual disease detection : New perspectives for cancer predisposition syndromes. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:259-268. [PMID: 38835740 PMCID: PMC11006388 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Genetic predisposition is one of the major measurable cancer risk factors. Affected patients have an enhanced risk for cancer and require life-long surveillance. However, current screening measures are mostly invasive and only available for certain tumor types. Particularly in hereditary cancer syndromes, liquid biopsy, in addition to monitoring therapy response and assessing minimal residual disease, holds great potential for surveillance at the precancerous stage and potentially even diagnostics. Exploring these options and future clinical translation could help reduce cancer risk and mortality in high-risk individuals and enhance patients' adherence to tailored surveillance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Bohaumilitzky
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology Heidelberg Germany
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology Heidelberg Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology Heidelberg Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology Heidelberg Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology Heidelberg Germany
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Rapanotti MC, Cugini E, Campione E, Di Raimondo C, Costanza G, Rossi P, Ferlosio A, Bernardini S, Orlandi A, De Luca A, Bianchi L. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Signature in Circulating Melanoma Cells: Biological and Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11792. [PMID: 37511550 PMCID: PMC10380315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411792] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The most promising method for monitoring patients with minimal morbidity is the detection of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs). We have shown that CD45-CD146+ABCB5+ CMCs identify a rare primitive stem/mesenchymal CMCs population associated with disease progression. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers cancer cells a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype promoting metastatization. Thus, we investigated the potential clinical value of the EMT gene signature of these primitive CMCs. A reliable quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) protocol was settled up using tumor cell lines RNA dilutions. Afterwards, immune-magnetically isolated CMCs from advanced melanoma patients, at onset and at the first checkpoint (following immune or targeted therapy), were tested for the level of EMT hallmarks and EMT transcription factor genes. Despite the small cohort of patients, we obtained promising results. Indeed, we observed a deep gene rewiring of the EMT investigated genes: in particular we found that the EMT gene signature of isolated CMCs correlated with patients' clinical outcomes. In conclusion, We established a reliable qRT-PCR protocol with high sensitivity and specificity to characterize the gene expression of isolated CMCs. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence demonstrating the impact of immune or targeted therapies on EMT hallmark gene expressions in CMCs from advanced melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rapanotti
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Cugini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Di Raimondo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Surgery Division, Department of Surgery Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Ferlosio
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Sahana NS, Yadava ST, Choudhary B, Ravindran F, Khatoon H, Kulkarni M. Expression of circulating tumour cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An ex vivo pilot study. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2023; 27:489-493. [PMID: 38033976 PMCID: PMC10683919 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_131_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite advances in diagnostics and therapeutics, two-thirds of oral cancer patients present with advanced disease, which increases both the morbidity and mortality risk. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are released in the circulation by primary tumours and have been demonstrated to have significant correlations between their occurrence and disease progression. Objectives To characterize the circulating tumour cells in subjects with histologically diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods This pilot study was undertaken with ten fresh blood samples (6 ml each). Five samples from apparently healthy individuals and five OSCC samples were cultured and subjected to flow cytometric analysis for CD44 expression. Immunostaining was done using CD44 and EpCAM markers. Result Several cells in OSCC samples showed EpCAM and CD44 positivity following immunostaining. However, flow cytometry performed with CD44 alone was not specific for OSCC samples. Hence, proving that CD44 and EpCAM when used in conjunction can help to characterize CTCs. Conclusion The findings of our study suggest that the demonstration of CTCs is feasible and helps in understanding of disease progression and metastatic risk. Sensitive detection of CTCs from blood samples can serve as an implicit tool in early cancer diagnosis and prognosis through liquid biopsy which in itself is minimally invasive and time-saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Sahana
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Satish T. Yadava
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Bibha Choudhary
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Febina Ravindran
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Hajira Khatoon
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Meghashyama Kulkarni
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Government Dental College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Wang J, Gao Z, Dong M, Li J, Jiang H, Xu J, Gu J, Wang D. CdSe@CdS quantum dot-sensitized Au/α-Fe 2O 3 structure for photoelectrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:221. [PMID: 37183218 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05797-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the important biomarker for cancer diagnosis and individualized treatment. However, due to the extreme rarity of CTCs (only 1-10 CTCs are found in every milliliter of peripheral blood) high sensitivity and selectivity are urgently needed for CTC detection. Here, a sandwich PEC cytosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of CTCs was developed using the photoactive material Au NP/-Fe2O3 and core-shell CdSe@CdS QD sensitizer. In the proposed protocol, the CdSe@CdS QD/Au NP/α-Fe2O3-sensitized structure with cascade band-edge levels could evidently promote the photoelectric conversion efficiency due to suitable light absorption and efficient electron-hole pair recombination inhibition. Additionally, a dendritic aptamer-DNA concatemer was constructed for highly efficient capture of MCF-7 cells carrying CdSe@CdS QDs, a sensitive material. The linear range of this proposed signal-on PEC sensing method was 300 cell mL-1 to 6 × 105 cell mL-1 with a detection limit of 3 cell mL-1, and it demonstrated an ultrasensitive response to CTCs. Furthermore, this PEC sensor enabled accurate detection of CTCs in serum samples. Hence, a promising strategy for CTC detection in clinical diagnosis was developed based on CdSe@CdS QD-sensitized Au NP/α-Fe2O3-based PEC cytosensor with dendritic aptamer-DNA concatemer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jidong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology (MMST), Yanshan University, 066004, China Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Zhihong Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Min Dong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Mental Health Service Center, College of Marxism, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China.
| | - Jianmin Gu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology (MMST), Yanshan University, 066004, China Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| | - Desong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Nano-biotechnology Key Lab of Hebei Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology (MMST), Yanshan University, 066004, China Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
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Twomey JD, Zhang B. Exploring the Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) of Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030934. [PMID: 36979915 PMCID: PMC10046014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood are believed to be the source of metastasis and can be used as a liquid biopsy to monitor cancer progression and therapeutic response. However, it has been challenging to accurately detect CTCs because of their low frequency and the heterogeneity of the population. In this study, we have developed an in vitro model of CTCs by using non-adherent suspension culture. We used this model to study a group of breast cancer cell lines with distinct molecular subtypes (TNBC, HER2+, and ER+/PR+). We found that, when these breast cancer cell lines lost their attachment to the extracellular matrix, they accumulated a subtype of cancer stem cells (CSC) that expressed the surface markers of stem cells (e.g., CD44+CD24-). These stem-like CTCs also showed high expressions of hypoxia-inducible gene products, particularly the hypoxia-inducible carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX). Inhibition of CAIX activity was found to reduce CAIX expression and stem cell phenotypes in the targeted CTCs. Further studies are needed, using CTC samples from breast cancer patients, to determine the role of CAIX in CTC survival, CSC transition, and metastasis. CAIX may be a useful surface marker for the detection of CSCs in the blood, and a potential target for treating metastatic breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne D Twomey
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Baolin Zhang
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
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10
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Matsumura H, Shen LTW, Isozaki A, Mikami H, Yuan D, Miura T, Kondo Y, Mori T, Kusumoto Y, Nishikawa M, Yasumoto A, Ueda A, Bando H, Hara H, Liu Y, Deng Y, Sonoshita M, Yatomi Y, Goda K, Matsusaka S. Virtual-freezing fluorescence imaging flow cytometry with 5-aminolevulinic acid stimulation and antibody labeling for detecting all forms of circulating tumor cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1561-1575. [PMID: 36648503 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00856d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are precursors to cancer metastasis. In blood circulation, they take various forms such as single CTCs, CTC clusters, and CTC-leukocyte clusters, all of which have unique characteristics in terms of physiological function and have been a subject of extensive research in the last several years. Unfortunately, conventional methods are limited in accurately analysing the highly heterogeneous nature of CTCs. Here we present an effective strategy for simultaneously analysing all forms of CTCs in blood by virtual-freezing fluorescence imaging (VIFFI) flow cytometry with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) stimulation and antibody labeling. VIFFI is an optomechanical imaging method that virtually freezes the motion of fast-flowing cells on an image sensor to enable high-throughput yet sensitive imaging of every single event. 5-ALA stimulates cancer cells to induce the accumulation of protoporphyrin (PpIX), a red fluorescent substance, making it possible to detect all cancer cells even if they show no expression of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule, a typical CTC biomarker. Although PpIX signals are generally weak, VIFFI flow cytometry can detect them by virtue of its high sensitivity. As a proof-of-principle demonstration of the strategy, we applied cancer cells spiked in blood to the strategy to demonstrate image-based detection and accurate classification of single cancer cells, clusters of cancer cells, and clusters of a cancer cell(s) and a leukocyte(s). To show the clinical utility of our method, we used it to evaluate blood samples of four breast cancer patients and four healthy donors and identified EpCAM-positive PpIX-positive cells in one of the patient samples. Our work paves the way toward the determination of cancer prognosis, the guidance and monitoring of treatment, and the design of antitumor strategies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Matsumura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Larina Tzu-Wei Shen
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Akihiro Isozaki
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Hideharu Mikami
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Dan Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Taichi Miura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yuto Kondo
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Mori
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Yoshika Kusumoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masako Nishikawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yasumoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Aya Ueda
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, University of Tsukuba Hospital, 605-8576, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bando
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hisato Hara
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yunjie Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Sonoshita
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0815, Japan
- Global Station for Biosurfaces and Drug Discovery, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keisuke Goda
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
- Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei 430072, China
- CYBO, Tokyo 101-0022, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsusaka
- Clinical Research and Regional Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
- Tsukuba Clinical Research and Development Organization, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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11
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Jin D, Qian L, Xia J, Zhang R, Yang G, Zhang L, Xue W, Cao M, Dong L, Chen H. In vivo detection demonstrates circulating tumor cell reduction instead of baseline number has prognostic value in bladder cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:793-797. [PMID: 36877311 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have suggested the potential prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in bladder cancer (BC) patients. This study aims to validate the prognostic value of in vivo detection of CTCs in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). METHODS A total of 107 MIBC patients were enrolled in this study. All patients had one in vivo detection of CTCs before initial treatment as baseline, and those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) had a second detection after NAC and before radical cystectomy. CTCs dynamic change after NAC was analyzed. Prognostic value of in vivo CTCs detection was investigated. RESULTS Among 68 patients who received NAC, 45 patients (66%) had a CTC reduction after NAC. CTC reduction instead of baseline CTC positivity was a key prognostic factor for better progression free survival (PFS) among all MIBC patients receiving NAC in Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.01) and in both crude (HR 6.14, 95%CI 1.63-23.21) and adjusted regression model (HR 6.76, 95% CI 1.59-28.88). The AUC was 0.85. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the prognostic value of in vivo detection of CTCs. The dynamic change of CTCs count may help evaluate the efficacy of NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Jin
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Qian
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xia
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiyun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoliang Yang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianhua Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Cao
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haige Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200127, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Does Primary Tumor Resection Induce Accelerated Metastasis in Breast Cancer? A Review. J Surg Res 2023; 283:1005-1017. [PMID: 36914990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.11.064] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over a century of cumulative experimental results and clinical data have suggested that surgical procedures of primary tumors promote tumor progression and metastasis in breast cancer and other cancer patients, suggesting a potential interplay linking primary tumors and distant lesions that lead to metastasis development triggered by primary tumor removal. Such evidence may generate a departure in terms of our attitude toward the surgery. However, the reliability and prognostic benefits of tumor surgery, especially for chemotherapy-resistant patients, are indisputable. Thus, it is important to explore the mechanism underlying this surgery-induced cancer progression to guide individual clinical treatment and improve tumor control. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive review in PubMed in October 2021 to determine the article outline. Non-English and repetitive articles were excluded. The year, topic, key findings, and opinions of each article were gathered. RESULTS This review not only comprehensively summarizes the potential mechanisms of primary tumors interacting with the growth of metastases but also discusses whether and how surgical resection of primary lesions can trigger tumor metastasis and development. At the same time, this article also provides our understanding of clinical findings and future directions on this topic. In addition, the combination of surgery and some potentially beneficial therapeutic interventions for postoperative tumor metastasis control was also mentioned. CONCLUSIONS There are viewpoints supporting an acceleration of metastasis after surgery for breast cancer and fundamental research on relevant therapies, although controversial. Further attention should be focused on the gap between current preclinical data and the complicated clinical therapeutic combination during surgery in metastatic breast cancer patients.
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13
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Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Zheng D, Huang T, Fu Q, Liu Y. Label-Free Separation of Circulating Tumor Cells and Clusters by Alternating Frequency Acoustic Field in a Microfluidic Chip. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043338. [PMID: 36834750 PMCID: PMC9964901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an important role in the prognosis and efficacy evaluation of metastatic tumors. Since CTCs are present in very low concentrations in the blood and the phenotype is dynamically changing, it is a great challenge to achieve efficient separation while maintaining their viability. In this work, we designed an acoustofluidic microdevice for CTCs separation based on the differences in cell physical properties of size and compressibility. Efficient separation can be achieved with only one piece of piezoceramic working on alternating frequency mode. The separation principle was simulated by numerical calculation. Cancer cells from different tumor types were separated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), with capture efficiency higher than 94% and a contamination rate of about 1% was obtained. Furthermore, this method was validated to have no negative effect on the viability of the separated cells. Finally, blood samples from patients with different cancer types and stages were tested, with measured concentrations of 36-166 CTCs per milliliter. Effective separation was achieved even when the size of CTCs is similar to that of PBMCs, which has the prospect of clinical application in cancer diagnosis and efficacy evaluation.
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14
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Pei XM, Wong HT, Ng SSM, Leung WW, Wong YN, Tsang HF, Chan AKC, Wong YKE, Yu ACS, Yim AKY, Cho WCS, Chan JKC, Wong KF, Luk JM, Tai WCS, Wong SCC. The diagnostic significance of CDH17-positive circulating tumor cells in patients with colorectal cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:171-179. [PMID: 36744385 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2176223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. We tested the hypothesis that circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis by ARB101 antibody could be used as a tool for CRC detection, progression, and therapy response. RESEARCH METHODS ARB101 antibody was used for investigation of CDH17 expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of CRC patients. RESULTS Using ARB101, highest sensitivity was observed in 98/100 (98%) colorectal cancer tissue compared to 72/100 gastric cancer (72%) and 27/32 pancreatic cancer (84%). Immunoreactivity of CDH17 was significantly higher in distant metastatic (tumor-node-metastasis [TNM] stage IV) than non-distant metastatic (TNM stage I to III) CRC. ARB101 antibody also manifested the higher sensitivity than c-erbB2 (8%) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibodies (37%) with the significance (p < 0.0001). ARB101 positive CTCs were detected in 64/83 (77%) TNM stage I to IV CRC patients. Furthermore, ARB101 positive CTCs detected in TNM stage I to III CRC patients before and after surgical operation are statistically significant (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS CTC detection by ARB101 antibody could serve as a potential non-invasive approach for CRC detection, progression, and monitoring of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Meng Pei
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Heong Ting Wong
- Department of Pathology, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macau Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Simon Siu Man Ng
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wing Wa Leung
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yee Ni Wong
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hin Fung Tsang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Amanda Kit Ching Chan
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yin Kwan Evelyn Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Allen Chi Shing Yu
- Department of Research and Develpment, Codex Genetics Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Aldrin Kay Yuen Yim
- Department of Research and Develpment, Codex Genetics Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - William Chi Shing Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - John Kwok Cheung Chan
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwong Fai Wong
- Department of Research and Develpment Arbele Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - John M Luk
- Department of Research and Develpment Arbele Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - William Chi Shing Tai
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sze Chuen Cesar Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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15
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Elevation of Cytoplasmic Calcium Suppresses Microtentacle Formation and Function in Breast Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030884. [PMID: 36765843 PMCID: PMC9913253 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030884] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeletal remodeling in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) facilitates metastatic spread. Previous oncology studies examine sustained aberrant calcium (Ca2+) signaling and cytoskeletal remodeling scrutinizing long-term phenotypes such as tumorigenesis and metastasis. The significance of acute Ca2+ signaling in tumor cells that occur within seconds to minutes is overlooked. This study investigates rapid cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevation in suspended cells on actin and tubulin cytoskeletal rearrangements and the metastatic microtentacle (McTN) phenotype. The compounds Ionomycin and Thapsigargin acutely increase cytoplasmic Ca2+, suppressing McTNs in the metastatic breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436. Functional decreases in McTN-mediated reattachment and cell clustering during the first 24 h of treatment are not attributed to cytotoxicity. Rapid cytoplasmic Ca2+ elevation was correlated to Ca2+-induced actin cortex contraction and rearrangement via myosin light chain 2 and cofilin activity, while the inhibition of actin polymerization with Latrunculin A reversed Ca2+-mediated McTN suppression. Preclinical and phase 1 and 2 clinical trial data have established Thapsigargin derivatives as cytotoxic anticancer agents. The results from this study suggest an alternative molecular mechanism by which these compounds act, and proof-of-principle Ca2+-modulating compounds can rapidly induce morphological changes in free-floating tumor cells to reduce metastatic phenotypes.
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16
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Mihalcioiu C, Li J, Badescu D, Camirand A, Kremer N, Bertos N, Omeroglu A, Sebag M, Di Battista J, Park M, Ragoussis J, Kremer R. Improved platform for breast cancer circulating tumor cell enrichment and characterization with next-generation sequencing technology. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:25-44. [PMID: 36777514 PMCID: PMC9906071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent cells shed from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and can be used to monitor treatment response and tumor recurrence. However, CTCs circulate in extremely low numbers making in-depth analysis beyond simple enumeration challenging when collected from peripheral blood. Furthermore, tumor heterogeneity, a hallmark of many tumors, especially breast cancer, further complicates CTC characterization. To overcome this limitation, we developed a platform based on the large-scale isolation of CTCs by apheresis, allowing us to collect CTCs in large numbers, which were preserved live in liquid nitrogen for further characterization. Flow cytometry followed by cell sorting (FACS) was performed using a combination of antibodies directed against cell surface markers of white blood cells (CD45) and epithelial tumor cells (CK8). Analysis of subpopulations CD45+/- and CK8+/- by bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and the CD45-/CK8 positive population by single-cell RNAseq was performed. The CD45- population was enriched using CD45 magnetic beads separation and examined by IHC for pan-cytokeratin and immunofluorescence (IF) for specific markers, including the elusive circulating cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSC-rich mammospheres were grown in vitro for further analysis and treated to examine their response to chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, mammospheres were transplanted into the mammary fat pad and bone of immunodeficient mice to examine tumor growth in vivo. This platform enables the detection and collection of CTCs in early and late-stage breast cancer patients of every subtype. Markers including CD44/24, ALDH1 and CXCR4 were identified by IF and showed high expression following mammosphere culture, which responded predictably to chemotherapeutic agents. Mammospheres were also transplanted into nude mice and induced tumors in the mammary fat pad and bone following intra-tibial transplantation. Finally, bulk RNA analysis of the FACS isolated CD45+/- and CK8+/- cells showed a clear separation of CD45- away from CD45+ populations. Single-cell RNAseq of the FACS isolated CD45-/CK8+ cells showed the presence of 4-5 clusters, confirming the high degree of heterogeneity of CTCs. Our platform for large-scale isolation of CTCs using apheresis is suitable for an in-depth analysis of the cancer phenotype and may eventually allow evaluation in real-time of the disease process to optimize cancer regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin Mihalcioiu
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jiarong Li
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Dunarel Badescu
- McGill University Génome Centre, Department of Human GeneticsMontréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne Camirand
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Kremer
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bertos
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Atilla Omeroglu
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Michael Sebag
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - John Di Battista
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Breast Cancer Functional Genomics Group, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill UniversityMontréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- McGill University Génome Centre, Department of Human GeneticsMontréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard Kremer
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health CentreGlen Site, 1001 Boul. Décarie, Mail Drop EM1.3229, Montréal, Québec, H4A 3J1, Canada
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17
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Isolation of TTF-1 Positive Circulating Tumor Cells for Single-Cell Sequencing by Using an Automatic Platform Based on Microfluidic Devices. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315139. [PMID: 36499466 PMCID: PMC9736518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315139] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing provides promising information in tumor evolution and heterogeneity. Even with the recent advances in circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, it remains a big challenge to precisely and effectively isolate CTCs for downstream analysis. The Cell RevealTM system integrates an automatic CTC enrichment and staining machine, an AI-assisted automatic CTC scanning and identification system, and an automatic cell picking machine for CTC isolation. H1975 cell line was used for the spiking test. The identification of CTCs and the isolation of target CTCs for genetic sequencing were performed from the peripheral blood of three cancer patients, including two with lung cancer and one with both lung cancer and thyroid cancer. The spiking test revealed a mean recovery rate of 81.81% even with extremely low spiking cell counts with a linear relationship between the spiked cell counts and the recovered cell counts (Y = 0.7241 × X + 19.76, R2 = 0.9984). The three cancer patients had significantly higher TTF-1+ CTCs than healthy volunteers. All target CTCs were successfully isolated by the Cell Picker machine for a subsequent genetic analysis. Six tumor-associated mutations in four genes were detected. The present study reveals the Cell RevealTM platform can precisely identify and isolate target CTCs and then successfully perform single-cell sequencing by using commercially available genetic devices.
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18
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Fridrichova I, Kalinkova L, Ciernikova S. Clinical Relevancy of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: Epithelial or Mesenchymal Characteristics, Single Cells or Clusters? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12141. [PMID: 36292996 PMCID: PMC9603393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is typically an incurable disease with high mortality rates; thus, early identification of metastatic features and disease recurrence through precise biomarkers is crucial. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) consisting of heterogeneous subpopulations with different morphology and genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression profiles represent promising candidate biomarkers for metastatic potential. The experimentally verified role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer dissemination has not been clearly described in BC patients, but the stemness features of CTCs strongly contributes to metastatic potency. Single CTCs have been shown to be protected in the bloodstream against recognition by the immune system through impaired interactions with T lymphocytes and NK cells, while associations of heterotypic CTC clusters with platelets, leucocytes, neutrophils, tumor-associated macrophages, and fibroblasts improve their tumorigenic behavior. In addition to single CTC and CTC cluster characteristics, we reviewed CTC evaluation methods and clinical studies in early and metastatic BCs. The variable CTC tests were developed based on specific principles and strategies. However, CTC count and the presence of CTC clusters were shown to be most clinically relevant in existing clinical trials. Despite the known progress in CTC research and sampling of BC patients, implementation of CTCs and CTC clusters in routine diagnostic and treatment strategies still requires improvement in detection sensitivity and precise molecular characterizations, focused predominantly on the role of CTC clusters for their higher metastatic potency.
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19
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Zhang Q, Fang Y, She C, Zheng R, Hong C, Chen C, Wu J. Diagnostic and prognostic significance of SLC50A1 expression in patients with primary early breast cancer. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:616. [PMID: 36160901 PMCID: PMC9468843 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of validated biomarkers for the diagnosis of early breast cancer (EBC). The current study aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of solute carrier family 50 member 1 (SLC50A1) in patients with EBC. Therefore, 123 patients with EBC, 30 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 26 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The serum levels of SLC50A1 in paired sera of 40 postoperative patients were assessed by ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining for SLC50A1 was performed in surgical tissue derived from 83 patients with EBC and 30 patients with BBD. mRNA expression of SLC50A1 and its diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with EBC was evaluated using an RNA-sequencing database. The results showed that serum levels of SLC50A1 in patients with EBC were significantly higher compared with those in patients with BBD and HCs (both P<0.001). Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the serum levels of SLC50A1 distinguished patients with EBC from patients with BBD and HCs with a sensitivity of 76.42% and specificity of 76.79% [area under the curve (AUC)=0.783; P<0.001]. The diagnostic value of SLC50A1 was significantly greater than that of carcinoembryonic (P<0.005) and carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (P<0.029). Furthermore, the number of SLC50A1 positive cells significantly increased in tissue of patients with EBC compared with patients with BBD (P<0.001). A positive association between serum levels of SLC50A1 and its expression in tissue samples was observed in patients with EBC (ρ=0.700; P<0.001). Additionally, bioinformatics analysis verified the diagnostic value of SLC50A1, with an AUC of 0.983 (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SLC50A1 was an independent prognostic factor in patients with EBC with a hazard ratio of 1.917 (P=0.013). These findings indicated that SLC50A1 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for primary EBC and that SLC50A1 upregulation may be associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with EBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunchen Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Yutong Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Chuanghong She
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Rongji Zheng
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Chaoqun Hong
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Chunfa Chen
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Chunfa Chen or Dr Jundong Wu, The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 7 Rao Ping Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Jundong Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Chunfa Chen or Dr Jundong Wu, The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 7 Rao Ping Road, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
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Detection and Characterization of Estrogen Receptor α Expression of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Prognostic Marker. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112621. [PMID: 35681601 PMCID: PMC9179654 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CTCs have increasingly been used as a liquid biopsy analyte to obtain real-time information on the tumor through minimally invasive blood analyses. CTCs allow for the identification of proteins relevant for targeted therapies. Here, we evaluated the expression of estrogen receptors (ER) in CTCs of patients with metastatic breast cancer. From sixty metastatic breast cancer patients who had ER-positive primary tumors (range of 1−70% immunostaining) at initial cancer diagnosis, 109 longitudinal blood samples were prospectively collected and analyzed using the CellSearch System in combination with the ERα monoclonal murine ER-119.3 antibody. Prolonged cell permeabilization was found to be required for proper staining of nuclear ER in vitro. Thirty-one cases were found to be CTC-positive; an increased number of CTCs during endocrine and chemotherapy was correlated with disease progression, whereas a decrease or stable amount of CTC number (<5) during treatment was correlated with a better clinical outcome. Survival analyses further indicate a positive association of CTC-status with progression-free survival (HR, 66.17; 95%CI, 3.66−195.96; p = 0.0045) and overall survival (HR, 6.21; 95%CI, 2.66−14.47; p < 0.0001). Only one-third of CTC-positive breast cancer patients, who were initially diagnosed with ER-positive primary tumors, harbored ER-positive CTCs at the time of metastasis, and even in those patients, both ER-positive and ER-negative CTCs were found. CTC-positivity was correlated with a shorter relapse-free survival. Remarkably, ER-negative CTCs were frequent despite initial ER-positive status of the primary tumor, suggesting a switch of ER phenotype or selection of minor ER-negative clones as a potential mechanism of escape from ER-targeting therapy.
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21
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The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Prognosis of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancers: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040769. [PMID: 35453519 PMCID: PMC9025371 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. One subtype of breast cancer is the triple-negative, which accounts for 15% of total breast cancer cases and is known for its poor prognosis. The main cause of death is due to metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a key role in the metastatic process. CTCs arise either by detaching from the primary tumor or from cancer stem cells undergoing an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This review aims to present up-to-date data concerning the role of CTC numbers in relation to the prognostic and treatment response in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients, and also to discuss the methods used for CTCs’ identification. A search in the MEDLINE database was performed. A total of 234 articles were identified. The results of the 24 eligible studies showed that positive CTC status is associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in mTNBC patients. Furthermore, a decrease in number of CTCs during therapy seems to be a favorable prognostic factor, making CTCs’ detection an important prognostic tool before and during therapy in mTNBC patients. The methods used for CTC detection are still developing and need further improvement.
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22
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Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061384. [PMID: 35326534 PMCID: PMC8946040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most malignant tumours are highly heterogeneous at molecular and phenotypic levels. Tumour variability poses challenges for the management of patients, as it arises between patients and even evolves in space and time within a single patient. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of tumour diversity in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate tumour heterogeneity. Abstract Human solid malignancies harbour a heterogeneous set of cells with distinct genotypes and phenotypes. This heterogeneity is installed at multiple levels. A biological diversity is commonly observed between tumours from different patients (inter-tumour heterogeneity) and cannot be fully captured by the current consensus molecular classifications for specific cancers. To extend the complexity in cancer, there are substantial differences from cell to cell within an individual tumour (intra-tumour heterogeneity, ITH) and the features of cancer cells evolve in space and time. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity with an emphasis on ITH and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of ITH in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate ITH.
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23
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Merae Alshahrani M. A glance at the emerging diagnostic biomarkers in the most prevalent genitourinary cancers. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2072-2084. [PMID: 35531253 PMCID: PMC9073037 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genitourinary cancers comprise of a heterogenous group of cancers of which renal cell carcinoma, urothelial bladder carcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma are the most commonly encountered subtypes. A lot of research is ongoing using various strategies for exploration of novel biomarkers for genitourinary cancers. These biomarkers would not reduce the need for invasive diagnostic techniques but also could be used for early and accurate diagnosis to improve the clinical management required for the disease. Moreover, selecting the appropriate treatment regimen for the responsive patients based on these biomarkers would reduce the treatment toxicity as well as cost. Biomarkers identified using various advanced techniques like next generation sequencing and proteomics, which have been classified as immunological biomarkers, tissue-specific biomarkers and liquid biomarkers. Immunological biomarkers include markers of immunological pathways such as CTLA4, PD-1/PDl-1, tissue biomarkers include tissue specific molecules such as PSA antigen and liquid biomarkers include biomarkers detectable in urine, circulating cells etc. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief introduction to the most prevalent genitourinary malignancies, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers along with a major focus on the novel diagnostic biomarkers and the importance of targeting them prior to genitourinary cancers treatment. Understanding these biomarkers and their potential in diagnosis of genitourinary cancer would not help in early and accurate diagnosis as mentioned above but may also lead towards a personalized approach for better diagnosis, prognosis and specified treatment approach for an individual.
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Gaebe K, Li AY, Das S. Clinical Biomarkers for Early Identification of Patients with Intracranial Metastatic Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235973. [PMID: 34885083 PMCID: PMC8656478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235973] [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: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The development of brain metastases, or intracranial metastatic disease (IMD), is a serious and life-altering complication for many patients with cancer. While there have been substantial advancements in the treatments available for IMD and in our understanding of its pathogenesis, conventional methods remain insufficient to detect IMD at an early stage. In this review, we discuss current research on biomarkers specific to IMD. In particular, we highlight biomarkers that can be easily accessed via the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid, including circulating tumor cells and DNA, as well as advanced imaging techniques. The continued development of these assays could enable clinicians to detect IMD prior to the development of IMD-associated symptoms and ultimately improve patient prognosis and survival. Abstract Nearly 30% of patients with cancer will develop intracranial metastatic disease (IMD), and more than half of these patients will die within a few months following their diagnosis. In light of the profound effect of IMD on survival and quality of life, there is significant interest in identifying biomarkers that could facilitate the early detection of IMD or identify patients with cancer who are at high IMD risk. In this review, we will highlight early efforts to identify biomarkers of IMD and consider avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Gaebe
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3K1, Canada; (K.G.); (A.Y.L.)
| | - Alyssa Y. Li
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3K1, Canada; (K.G.); (A.Y.L.)
| | - Sunit Das
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3K1, Canada; (K.G.); (A.Y.L.)
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Angeles AK, Janke F, Bauer S, Christopoulos P, Riediger AL, Sültmann H. Liquid Biopsies beyond Mutation Calling: Genomic and Epigenomic Features of Cell-Free DNA in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5615. [PMID: 34830770 PMCID: PMC8616179 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis using liquid biopsies is a non-invasive method to gain insights into the biology, therapy response, mechanisms of acquired resistance and therapy escape of various tumors. While it is well established that individual cancer treatment options can be adjusted by panel next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based evaluation of driver mutations in cfDNA, emerging research additionally explores the value of deep characterization of tumor cfDNA genomics and fragmentomics as well as nucleosome modifications (chromatin structure), and methylation patterns (epigenomics) for comprehensive and multi-modal assessment of cfDNA. These tools have the potential to improve disease monitoring, increase the sensitivity of minimal residual disease identification, and detection of cancers at earlier stages. Recent progress in emerging technologies of cfDNA analysis is summarized, the added potential clinical value is highlighted, strengths and limitations are identified and compared with conventional targeted NGS analysis, and current challenges and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlou Kristina Angeles
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.K.A.); (F.J.); (S.B.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Janke
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.K.A.); (F.J.); (S.B.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Bauer
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.K.A.); (F.J.); (S.B.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petros Christopoulos
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Lisa Riediger
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group, Multiparametric Methods for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Urology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Holger Sültmann
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.K.A.); (F.J.); (S.B.)
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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High Serum Levels of Wnt Signaling Antagonist Dickkopf-Related Protein 1 Are Associated with Impaired Overall Survival and Recurrence in Esophageal Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194980. [PMID: 34638464 PMCID: PMC8507644 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), an antagonist of the canonical Wnt pathway has been the subject of research for many years. Especially in gastrointestinal cancers, research suggests a pivotal role of DKK1. In order to understand the role of DKK1 in esophageal cancer, we analyzed blood samples of esophageal cancer patients for their DKK1 levels and retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data. In our study cohort, we observed a negative prognostic role of high DKK1 serum levels with respect to overall survival in esophageal cancer patients. These data may suggest serum DKK1 as a novel biomarker for improved risk stratification and treatment monitoring in esophageal cancer patients. Abstract Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), an antagonist of the canonical Wnt pathway, has received tremendous attention over the past years as its dysregulation is said to be critically involved in a wide variety of gastrointestinal cancers. However, the potential clinical implications of DKK1 remain poorly understood. Although multimodal treatment options have been implemented over the past years, esophageal cancer (EC) patients still suffer from poor five-year overall survival rates ranging from 15% to 25%. Especially prognostic factors and biomarkers for risk stratification are lacking to choose the most beneficial treatment out of the emerging landscape of different treatment options. In this study, we analyzed the serum DKK1 (S-DKK1) levels of 91 EC patients prior to surgery in a single center study at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High levels of S-DKK1 could be especially observed in patients suffering from esophageal adenocarcinoma which may promote the hypothesis of a crucial role of DKK1 in inflammation. S-DKK1 levels of ≥5800 pg/mL were shown to be associated with unfavorable five-year survival rates and the presence of CTCs. Interestingly, significantly lower S-DKK1 levels were detected in patients after neoadjuvant treatment, implying that S-DKK1 may serve as a useful biomarker for treatment monitoring. Multivariate analysis identified S-DKK1 as an independent prognostic marker with respect to overall survival in EC patients with a hazard ratio of 2.23. In conclusion, our data implicate a negative prognostic role of DKK1 with respect to the clinical outcome in EC patients. Further prospective studies should be conducted to implement S-DKK1 into the clinical routine for risk stratification and treatment monitoring.
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Wrenn E, Huang Y, Cheung K. Collective metastasis: coordinating the multicellular voyage. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:373-399. [PMID: 34254215 PMCID: PMC8346286 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The metastatic process is arduous. Cancer cells must escape the confines of the primary tumor, make their way into and travel through the circulation, then survive and proliferate in unfavorable microenvironments. A key question is how cancer cells overcome these multiple barriers to orchestrate distant organ colonization. Accumulating evidence in human patients and animal models supports the hypothesis that clusters of tumor cells can complete the entire metastatic journey in a process referred to as collective metastasis. Here we highlight recent studies unraveling how multicellular coordination, via both physical and biochemical coupling of cells, induces cooperative properties advantageous for the completion of metastasis. We discuss conceptual challenges and unique mechanisms arising from collective dissemination that are distinct from single cell-based metastasis. Finally, we consider how the dissection of molecular transitions regulating collective metastasis could offer potential insight into cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Wrenn
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yin Huang
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Kevin Cheung
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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Carmona-Ule N, González-Conde M, Abuín C, Cueva JF, Palacios P, López-López R, Costa C, Dávila-Ibáñez AB. Short-Term Ex Vivo Culture of CTCs from Advance Breast Cancer Patients: Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112668. [PMID: 34071445 PMCID: PMC8198105 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are responsible for metastasis, they represent tumor biology and have also predictive value for therapy monitoring and prognosis of metastatic breast cancer patients. In the blood, CTCs are found in low frequency and a small percentage of them survive. Therefore, achieving their expansion in vitro will allow performing characterization and functional analysis. In this work, we used growth factors and Nanoemulsions to support CTCs culture. We have seen that the CTCs subpopulation capable of ex vivo expanding presented mesenchymal and stem characteristics and loss of epithelial markers. Besides, CTC culture predicted progression-free survival. Abstract Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have relevance as prognostic markers in breast cancer. However, the functional properties of CTCs or their molecular characterization have not been well-studied. Experimental models indicate that only a few cells can survive in the circulation and eventually metastasize. Thus, it is essential to identify these surviving cells capable of forming such metastases. Methods: We isolated viable CTCs from 50 peripheral blood samples obtained from 35 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer using RosetteSepTM for ex vivo culture. The CTCs were seeded and monitored on plates under low adherence conditions and with media supplemented with growth factors and Nanoemulsions. Phenotypic analysis was performed by immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis using RT-PCR and CTCs counting by the Cellsearch® system. Results: We found that in 75% of samples the CTC cultures lasted more than 23 days, predicting a shorter Progression-Free Survival in these patients, independently of having ≥5 CTC by Cellsearch®. We also observed that CTCs before and after culture showed a different gene expression profile. Conclusions: the cultivability of CTCs is a predictive factor. Furthermore, the subset of cells capable of growing ex vivo show stem or mesenchymal features and may represent the CTC population with metastatic potential in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Carmona-Ule
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Miriam González-Conde
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.C.); (P.P.)
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Juan F. Cueva
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.C.); (P.P.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Patricia Palacios
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.C.); (P.P.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.C.); (P.P.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Clotilde Costa
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.F.C.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (A.B.D.-I.); Tel.: +34-981-955-602 (C.C.)
| | - Ana Belén Dávila-Ibáñez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.C.-U.); (M.G.-C.); (C.A.); (R.L.-L.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (A.B.D.-I.); Tel.: +34-981-955-602 (C.C.)
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Chiang CS, Kao YC, Webster TJ, Shyu WC, Cheng HW, Liu TY, Chen SY. Circulating tumor-cell-targeting Au-nanocage-mediated bimodal phototherapeutic properties enriched by magnetic nanocores. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:5460-5471. [PMID: 32462165 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00501k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis resulting from circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is associated with 90% of all cancer mortality. To disrupt cancer dissemination, therapeutic targeting of CTCs by extracorporeal photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged; however, it still remains impractical due to its limited therapeutic window. Herein, we developed a photosensitive and magnetic targeted core-satellite nanomedicine (TCSN) to augment the light-induced damage to the targeted cells. The magnetic nanocore (MNC) with multiple iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized using thiolated polyvinyl alcohol can magnetize the CTCs to achieve magnetic enrichment under a magnetic field. Multiple gold nanocage (AuNC) satellites were conjugated on the MNC to facilitate bimodal photothermal therapy and PDT. Adjusting the thiol content in the MNC allows manipulating the AuNC density on TCSNs, which has been found to demonstrate a density-dependent bimodal phototherapeutic effect under laser irradiation at 808 and 940 nm. Moreover, with the immobilization of anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM), TCSN exhibited an enhanced affinity toward EpCAM-expressing 4T1 cells. We demonstrate that TCSN-labeled 4T1 cells can be isolated and photo-eradicated in a microfluidic channel with a dynamic flow. Our studies showed that TCSN with the complementary properties of MNC and AuNCs can largely augment the therapeutic window by magnetic enrichment and bimodal phototherapy, serving as an advanced extracorporeal strategy to remove CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Sheng Chiang
- Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Che Kao
- Materials Engineering/School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Thomas J Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40440, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Tse-Ying Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
| | - San-Yuan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40440, Taiwan. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. and Frontier Research Centre on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan and School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Gao Y, Fan WH, Duan C, Zhao W, Zhang J, Kang X. Enhancing the Screening Efficiency of Breast Cancer by Combining Conventional Medical Imaging Examinations With Circulating Tumor Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:643003. [PMID: 34094929 PMCID: PMC8170472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.643003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound (US) and mammogram (MMG) are the two most common breast cancer (BC) screening tools. This study aimed to assess how the combination of circulating tumor cells (CTC) with US and MMG would improve the diagnostic performance. METHODS CTC detection and imaging examinations, US and MMG, were performed in 238 treatment-naive BC patients, 217 patients with benign breast diseases (BBD), and 20 healthy females. Correlations of CTC, US and MMG with patients' clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. Diagnostic performances of CTC, US and MMG were estimated by the receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS CTC, US and MMG could all distinguish BC patients from the control (p < 0.0001). Area under curve (AUC) of CTC, US and MMG are 0.855, 0.861 and 0.759, respectively. While US has the highest sensitivity of 0.79, CTC and MMG have the same specificity of 0.92. Notably, CTC has the highest accuracy of 0.83. Combination with CTC increases the AUC of US and MMG to 0.922 and 0.899, respectively. Combining MMG with CTC or US increases the sensitivity of MMG to 0.87, however "CTC + MMG" has a higher specificity of 0.85. "CTC + US" performs the best in BC diagnosis, followed by "CTC + MMG" and then "US + MMG". CONCLUSION CTC can be used as a diagnostic aid for BC screening. Combination with CTC increases the diagnostic potency of conventional BC screening imaging examinations, US and MMG, in BC diagnosis, especially for MMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Hung Fan
- Department of Clinical Medical Affairs, Hangzhou Watson Biotech, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaohui Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhe Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xixiong Kang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Fallahi H, Yadav S, Phan HP, Ta H, Zhang J, Nguyen NT. Size-tuneable isolation of cancer cells using stretchable inertial microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2008-2018. [PMID: 34008666 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00082a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Inertial microfluidics is a simple, low cost, efficient size-based separation technique which is being widely investigated for rare-cell isolation and detection. Due to the fixed geometrical dimensions of the current rigid inertial microfluidic systems, most of them are only capable of isolating and separating cells with certain types and sizes. Herein, we report the design, fabrication, and validation of a stretchable inertial microfluidic device with a tuneable separation threshold that can be used for heterogenous mixtures of particles and cells. Stretchability allows for the fine-tuning of the critical sorting size, resulting in a high separation resolution that makes the separation of cells with small size differences possible. We validated the tunability of the separation threshold by stretching the length of a microchannel to separate the particle sizes of interest. We also evaluated the focusing efficiency, flow behaviour, and the positions of cancer cells and white blood cells (WBCs) in an elongated channel, separately. In addition, the performance of the device was verified by isolating cancer cells from WBCs which revealed a high recovery rate and purity. The stretchable chip showed promising results in the separation of cells with comparable sizes. Further validation of the chip using whole blood spiked with cancer cells delivered a 98.6% recovery rate with 90% purity. Elongating a stretchable microfluidic chip enables onsite modification of the dimensions of a microchannel leading to a precise tunability of the separation threshold as well as a high separation resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedieh Fallahi
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Sharda Yadav
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Hoang-Phuong Phan
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Hang Ta
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
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Pizzutilo EG, Pedrani M, Amatu A, Ruggieri L, Lauricella C, Veronese SM, Signorelli D, Cerea G, Giannetta L, Siena S, Sartore-Bianchi A. Liquid Biopsy for Small Cell Lung Cancer either De Novo or Transformed: Systematic Review of Different Applications and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2265. [PMID: 34066817 PMCID: PMC8125928 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential added value of liquid biopsy (LB) is not well determined in the case of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive tumor that can occur either de novo or from the histologic transformation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS A systematic review of studies adopting LB in patients with SCLC have been performed to assess the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs). RESULTS After a screening of 728 records, 62 studies (32 evaluating CTCs, 27 ctDNA, and 3 both) met predetermined eligibility criteria. Only four studies evaluated LB in the diagnostic setting for SCLC, while its prognostic significance was evaluated in 38 studies and prominently supported by both ctDNA and CTCs. A meta-analysis of 11 studies as for CTCs enumeration showed an HR for overall survival of 2.63 (1.71-4.05), with a potential publication bias. The feasibility of tumor genomic profiling and the predictive role of LB in terms of response/resistance to chemotherapy was assessed in 11 and 24 studies, respectively, with greater consistency for those regarding ctDNA. Intriguingly, several case reports suggest that LB can indirectly capture the transition to SCLC in NSCLC treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS While dedicated trials are needed, LB holds potential clinical roles in both de novo and transformed SCLC. CtDNA analysis appears the most valuable and practicable tool for both disease monitoring and genomic profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio Gregory Pizzutilo
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Martino Pedrani
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Amatu
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Lorenzo Ruggieri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Calogero Lauricella
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvio Marco Veronese
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Diego Signorelli
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Giulio Cerea
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Laura Giannetta
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Siena
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartore-Bianchi
- Niguarda Cancer Center, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy; (E.G.P.); (M.P.); (A.A.); (L.R.); (C.L.); (S.M.V.); (D.S.); (G.C.); (L.G.); (S.S.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Smit DJ, Pantel K, Jücker M. Circulating tumor cells as a promising target for individualized drug susceptibility tests in cancer therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114589. [PMID: 33932470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in metastasis and became an emerging topic in today's cancer research. In addition, the analysis of CTCs in liquid biopsies will be a valuable tool for prognosis prediction and real time therapy monitoring. The characterization of CTCs may open up a new field of treatment strategy to prevent metastasis or maintain a stable disease. In 2013, the first cell cultures of CTCs have been established in vitro. Additionally, functional studies have been successfully performed over the last years. Meanwhile, more than 300 short-term CTC cultures and 42 long-term CTC cultures from a variety of tumor entities have been described. More than 45 inhibitors have already been tested for their efficacy to target CTCs in several studies in vitro as well as in xenograft mouse models in vivo. Here, we summarize the currently available data of these inhibition experiments and their effects in targeting CTCs. The results suggest that CTCs may be useful for individualized drug susceptibility testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Jin L, Fan WH, Luan Y, Wu M, Zhao W. Evaluation of circulating tumor cells as a prognostic biomarker for early recurrence in stage II-III breast cancer patients using CytoSorter ® system: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11366. [PMID: 33987029 PMCID: PMC8088762 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are known to be associated with late recurrence and poor prognosis in breast cancer (BC). Different CTC enrichment platforms have different CTC cut-off values for poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative CTCs could be a prognostic factor for early recurrence of disease in BC patients with resectable tumors, and to ascertain the CTC cut-off value for early recurrence with CytoSorter® CTC system. METHODS Thirty-six stage II and III BC patients who had preoperative (pre-op) CTC detection and underwent a mastectomy or lumpectomy for curative intent between January and May 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study. CTC detection was performed using CytoSorter® CTC system. Correlations of patients' demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, adjuvant therapies and CTCs with relapse and survival were evaluated. RESULTS CTCs were detected in 32 out of 36 patients before surgery. Nine patients developed relapses during follow-up, and seven of them were distant recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that CTCs were correlated with two-year recurrence free survival (RFS) and distant RFS (D-RFS) (P = 0.013 and 0.029, respectively). Two-year RFS and D-RFS were 85.2% and 88.9%, respectively, for patients with <4 CTCs, while 44.4% and 55.6%, respectively, for patients with ≧4 CTCs. In multivariate analysis, only CTC was shown to be correlated with two-year RFS (HR: 0.219, 95% CI: [0.058-0.82], P = 0.024) and D-RFS (HR: 0.218, 95% CI [0.048-0.977], P = 0.047). CONCLUSION BC patients with pre-op CTCs ≥4 per four mL of blood have significantly reduced two-year RFS and D-RFS. A pre-op CTC cut-off of four per four mL of blood was found for CytoSorter® to identify BC patients with a higher risk for early recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yi Luan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Wenhe Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Martins I, Ribeiro IP, Jorge J, Gonçalves AC, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Melo JB, Carreira IM. Liquid Biopsies: Applications for Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:349. [PMID: 33673461 PMCID: PMC7997281 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The minimally-or non-invasive detection of circulating tumor-derived components in biofluids, such as blood, liquid biopsy is a revolutionary approach with significant potential for the management of cancer. Genomic and transcriptomic alterations can be accurately detected through liquid biopsies, which provide a more comprehensive characterization of the heterogeneous tumor profile than tissue biopsies alone. Liquid biopsies could assist diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, and hold great potential to complement current surveilling strategies to monitor disease evolution and treatment response in real-time. In particular, these are able to detect minimal residual disease, to predict progression, and to identify mechanisms of resistance, allowing to re-orient treatment strategies in a timelier manner. In this review we gathered current knowledge regarding the role and potential of liquid biopsies for the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer patients. The presented findings emphasize the strengths of liquid biopsies, revealing their chance of improving the diagnosis and monitoring of several tumor types in the near future. However, despite growing evidence supporting their value as a management tool in oncology, some limitations still need to be overcome for their implementation in the routine clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Martins
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.M.); (I.P.R.); (J.B.M.)
| | - Ilda Patrícia Ribeiro
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.M.); (I.P.R.); (J.B.M.)
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Jorge
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Haematology and University Clinic of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Haematology and University Clinic of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Haematology and University Clinic of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Haematology Department, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Barbosa Melo
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.M.); (I.P.R.); (J.B.M.)
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marques Carreira
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.M.); (I.P.R.); (J.B.M.)
- Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
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Vogl TJ, Riegelbauer LJ, Oppermann E, Kostantin M, Ackermann H, Trzmiel A, Stein S, Eichler K, Zharov VP, Roy D, Schnitzbauer AA, Strücker B, Pascher A, Bechstein WO, Juratli MA. Early dynamic changes in circulating tumor cells and prognostic relevance following interventional radiological treatments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246527. [PMID: 33577574 PMCID: PMC7880472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and immediately after conducting a microwave ablation (MWA) and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (C-TACE). Additionally, the CTCs short-term dynamics were compared with the clinical course of the HCC-patients. Blood samples from 17 patients with HCC who underwent MWA (n = 10) or C-TACE (n = 7) were analyzed. Venous blood was taken before and immediately after the radiological interventions to isolate and quantify CTCs using flow cytometry. CTCs were identified as CD45- and positive for the markers ASGPR, CD146 and CD274 (PD-L1). Patients were followed of up to 2.2 years after the radiological intervention. CTCs were detected in 13 HCC patients (76%) prior to the radiological interventions. The rate of CTCs was significantly decreased after the intervention in patients treated with MWA (0.4 CTCs/mL of blood, p = 0.031). However, no significant differences were observed in patients who received C-TACE (0.3 CTCs/mL of blood, p = 0.300). Overall, no correlation was found between the CTCs rate before and after the radiological intervention and recurrence rate of HCC. This preliminary data could confirm the tumoricidal effects of MWA in patients with HCC by significantly decreasing CTCs rate. In our study, we were able to detect CTCs in HCC patients using 3 different tumor markers. This preliminary data shows significant lower CTCs detected in response to MWA. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the future role and the prognostic relevance of CTCs following this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Vogl
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Linda J. Riegelbauer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elsie Oppermann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michel Kostantin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hanns Ackermann
- Department of Biomedical Statistics, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Stein
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katrin Eichler
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Vladimir P. Zharov
- Arkansas Nanomedicine Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Dhruvajyoti Roy
- Laboratory for Advanced Medicine, Inc., Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Andreas A. Schnitzbauer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Benjamin Strücker
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Muenster University Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Muenster University Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Wolf O. Bechstein
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mazen A. Juratli
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Muenster University Hospital, Muenster, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Lisencu LA, Bonci EA, Irimie A, Balacescu O, Lisencu C. The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Chemoresistant Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040684. [PMID: 33578862 PMCID: PMC7916545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer among women and is one of the leading causes of death. Two routes of the metastatic process have been described: linear and parallel progression. A key factor is represented by circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs detach from the primary tumor or develop from cancer stem cells (CSCs) that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CTCs migrate to the distant site where the reverse process occurs and a new tumor arises. One of the key problems of metastatic disease is chemoresistance, which leads to treatment failure and, eventually, death. The aim of this review is to present up-to-date data regarding the role of CTCs in chemoresistance in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. A search in Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases was performed. A total of 125 articles were identified. The results of the final 12 eligible studies revealed that CTCs having stem cell features and those with mesenchymal features are aggressive subtypes of cells that survive chemotherapy, being responsible for chemoresistance and thus for disease progression in MBC patients. The hemodynamic shear stress, alongside dynamic changes among CTCs during the disease, is also an important disease progression factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Alexandra Lisencu
- 11th Department of Oncological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.A.L.); (A.I.); (C.L.)
| | - Eduard-Alexandru Bonci
- 11th Department of Oncological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.A.L.); (A.I.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Irimie
- 11th Department of Oncological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.A.L.); (A.I.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Balacescu
- Department of Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- 11th Department of Medical Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu”, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Lisencu
- 11th Department of Oncological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.A.L.); (A.I.); (C.L.)
- Department of Surgical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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38
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Peixoto A, Cotton S, Santos LL, Ferreira JA. The Tumour Microenvironment and Circulating Tumour Cells: A Partnership Driving Metastasis and Glycan-Based Opportunities for Cancer Control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:1-33. [PMID: 34664231 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTC) are rare cells that actively detach or are shed from primary tumours into the lymph and blood. Some CTC subpopulations gain the capacity to survive, home and colonize distant locations, forming metastasis. This results from a multifactorial process in which cancer cells optimize motility, invasion, immune escape and cooperative relationships with microenvironmental cues. Here we present evidences of a self-fuelling molecular crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumour stroma supporting the main milestones leading to metastasis. We discuss how the tumour microenvironment supports pre-metastatic niches and CTC development and ultimately dictates CTC fate in targeted organs. Finally, we highlight the key role played by protein glycosylation in metastasis development, its prompt response to microenvironmental stimuli and the tremendous potential of glycan-based molecular signatures for liquid biopsies and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Peixoto
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3s), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Institute for Biomedical Engineering (INEB), Porto, Portugal. .,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Cotton
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3s), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering (INEB), Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Alexandre Ferreira
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Porto Comprehensive Cancer Centre (P.ccc), Porto, Portugal
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39
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Yekula A, Muralidharan K, Rosh Z, Youngkin AE, Kang KM, Balaj L, Carter BS. Liquid Biopsy Strategies to Distinguish Progression from Pseudoprogression and Radiation Necrosis in Glioblastomas. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2020; 4:e2000029. [PMID: 32484293 PMCID: PMC7708392 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy for the detection and monitoring of central nervous system tumors is of significant clinical interest. At initial diagnosis, the majority of patients with central nervous system tumors undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by invasive brain biopsy to determine the molecular diagnosis of the WHO 2016 classification paradigm. Despite the importance of MRI for long-term treatment monitoring, in the majority of patients who receive chemoradiation therapy for glioblastoma, it can be challenging to distinguish between radiation treatment effects including pseudoprogression, radiation necrosis, and recurrent/progressive disease based on imaging alone. Tissue biopsy-based monitoring is high risk and not always feasible. However, distinguishing these entities is of critical importance for the management of patients and can significantly affect survival. Liquid biopsy strategies including circulating tumor cells, circulating free DNA, and extracellular vesicles have the potential to afford significant useful molecular information at both the stage of diagnosis and monitoring for these tumors. Here, current liquid biopsy-based approaches in the context of tumor monitoring to differentiate progressive disease from pseudoprogression and radiation necrosis are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anudeep Yekula
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Zachary Rosh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna E. Youngkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Keiko M. Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Leonora Balaj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bob S. Carter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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O'Leary BR, Alexander MS, Du J, Moose DL, Henry MD, Cullen JJ. Pharmacological ascorbate inhibits pancreatic cancer metastases via a peroxide-mediated mechanism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17649. [PMID: 33077776 PMCID: PMC7572461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH−, high-dose, intravenous vitamin C) is cytotoxic to tumor cells in doses achievable in humans. Phase I studies in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) utilizing P-AscH− have demonstrated increases in progression free survival, suggesting a reduction in metastatic disease burden. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of P-AscH− on metastatic PDAC. Several in vitro and in vivo mechanisms involved in PDAC metastases were investigated following treatment with P-AscH−. Serum from PDAC patients in clinical trials with P-AscH− were tested for the presence and quantity of circulating tumor cell-derived nucleases. P-AscH− inhibited invasion, basement membrane degradation, decreased matrix metalloproteinase expression, as well as clonogenic survival and viability during exposure to fluid shear stress. In vivo, P-AscH− significantly decreased formation of ascites, tumor burden over time, circulating tumor cells, and hepatic metastases. Both in vitro and in vivo findings were reversed with the addition of catalase suggesting that the effect of P-AscH− on metastatic disease is mediated by hydrogen peroxide. Finally, P-AscH− decreased CTC-derived nucleases in subjects with stage IV PDAC in a phase I clinical trial. We conclude that P-AscH− attenuates the metastatic potential of PDAC and may prove to be effective for treating advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne R O'Leary
- Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Matthew S Alexander
- Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Devon L Moose
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophsics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophsics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 1528 JCP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Urology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joseph J Cullen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 1528 JCP, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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41
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Lozar T, Jesenko T, Kloboves Prevodnik V, Cemazar M, Hosta V, Jericevic A, Nolde N, Grasic Kuhar C. Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Magnetic-Activated Cell Separation Technology for CTC Isolation in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554554. [PMID: 33042837 PMCID: PMC7522616 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) count is an independent prognostic factor in early breast cancer. CTCs can be found in the blood of 20% of patients prior to neoadjuvant therapy. We aimed to assess the suitability of magnetic-activated cell separation (MACS) technology for isolation and cytological characterization of CTCs. In the preclinical part of the study, cell lines were spiked into buffy coat samples derived from healthy donors, and isolated using MACS. Breast cancer cells with preserved cell morphology were successfully isolated. In the clinical part, blood for CTC isolation was drawn from 44 patients with early and locally advanced breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Standard Giemsa, Papanicolaou and pancytokeratin staining was applied. 2.3% of samples contained cells that meet both the morphological and immunocytochemical criteria for CTC. In 32.6% of samples, partially degenerated pancytokeratin negative cells with morphological features of tumor cells were observed. In 65.1% of samples, CTCs were not found. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that morphologically intact tumor cells can be isolated using MACS technology. However, morphologically intact tumor cells were not detected in the clinical part of the study. At present, MACS technology does not appear suitable for use in a clinical cytopathology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taja Lozar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Violeta Hosta
- Department of Dermatovenereology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Jericevic
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Nolde
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cvetka Grasic Kuhar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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42
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Yu J, Gemenetzis G, Kinny-Köster B, Habib JR, Groot VP, Teinor J, Yin L, Pu N, Hasanain A, van Oosten F, Javed AA, Weiss MJ, Burkhart RA, Burns WR, Goggins M, He J, Wolfgang CL. Pancreatic circulating tumor cell detection by targeted single-cell next-generation sequencing. Cancer Lett 2020; 493:245-253. [PMID: 32896616 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Single-cell next-generation sequencing (scNGS) technology has been widely used in genomic profiling, which relies on whole-genome amplification (WGA). However, WGA introduces errors and is especially less accurate when applied to single nucleotide variant (SNV) analysis. Targeted scNGS for SNV without WGA has not been described. We aimed to develop a method to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with DNA SNVs. METHODS We tested this targeted scNGS method with three driver mutant genes (KRAS/TP53/SMAD4) on one pancreatic cancer cell line AsPC-1 and then applied it to patients with metastatic PDAC for the validation. RESULTS All single-cell of AsPC-1 and spiked-in AsPC-1 cells in healthy donor blood, which were isolated by the filtration with size or by flow cytometry, were detected by targeted scNGS method. All blood samples from six patients with metastatic PDAC, for the validation of target scNGS method, showed CTCs with SNVs of KRAS/TP53/SMAD4 and the positive confirmation of immunofluorescent stainings with Pan-CK/Vimentin/CD45. Four patients with early stage disease, one patient with benign pancreatic cyst and a healthy control sample all showed concordant results between targeted scNGS and CTC enumeration. CONCLUSIONS The novel technique of targeted scNGS for SNV analysis, without pre-amplification, is a promising method for identifying and characterizing circulating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Georgios Gemenetzis
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benedict Kinny-Köster
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph R Habib
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vincent P Groot
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Teinor
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lingdi Yin
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ning Pu
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alina Hasanain
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Floortje van Oosten
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ammar A Javed
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew J Weiss
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A Burkhart
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William R Burns
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Goggins
- Departments of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Medicine, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin He
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Christopher L Wolfgang
- Departments of Surgery, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Oncology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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43
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The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer and Implications for Radiation Treatment Decisions. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 109:44-59. [PMID: 32882354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers are used routinely in oncology to assign risk categorization, screen and assist in diagnosis of malignancy, allow for prognostication and prediction of outcomes and treatment response, and allow for monitoring of patients after treatment completion. Although tissue-based biomarkers have a long history of use, the emergence of liquid-based biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), may soon revolutionize the management of patients with cancer. Here, we review the discovery of CTCs and their role as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with an emphasis on breast cancer. We discuss the platforms for CTC enumeration and focus on studies using the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved platform for CTC enumeration (CellSearch). In addition, we examine the role of CTCs in women with metastatic, inflammatory, and nonmetastatic breast cancer, as well as the clinical evidence for their use as a surrogate for radiation treatment response as well as surveillance after treatment. Finally, we conclude by investigating ongoing clinical studies assessing CTCs as radiation response predictors and discuss unanswered questions.
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44
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Narbe U, Bendahl PO, Aaltonen K, Fernö M, Forsare C, Jørgensen CLT, Larsson AM, Rydén L. The Distribution of Circulating Tumor Cells Is Different in Metastatic Lobular Compared to Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast-Long-Term Prognostic Significance. Cells 2020; 9:E1718. [PMID: 32709042 PMCID: PMC7407940 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) has distinguishing features when compared to invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (NST). In this study, we explored the distributional and prognostic characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic ILC and NST. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were included in an observational trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01322893) with ILC (n = 28) and NST (n = 111). CTC count (number/7.5 mL blood) was evaluated with serial sampling (CellSearch). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS The CTC counts were higher in ILC (median 70) than in NST cases (median 2) at baseline (p < 0.001). The evidence for ≥5 CTCs as a prognostic factor for PFS in ILC was weak, but stronger with higher cut-offs (CTC ≥ 20: hazard ratio (HR) 3.0, p = 0.01) (CTC ≥ 80: HR 3.6, p = 0.004). In NST, however, the prognostic effect of CTCs ≥5 was strong. Decline in CTC count from baseline to three months was associated with improved prognosis in ILC and NST. CONCLUSIONS The number of CTCs is higher in ILC than in NST, implying that a higher CTC cut-off could be considered for ILC when applying the CellSearch technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Narbe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
- Department of Oncology, Växjö Central Hospital, SE-352 34 Växjö, Sweden
| | - Pär-Ola Bendahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Mårten Fernö
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Carina Forsare
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Charlotte Levin Tykjær Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Anna-Maria Larsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Rydén
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Surgery, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
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45
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Iliuk A, Wu X, Li L, Sun J, Hadisurya M, Boris RS, Tao WA. Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Phosphoproteomics through Chemical Affinity Purification. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:2563-2574. [PMID: 32396726 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The invasive nature and the pain caused to patients inhibit the routine use of tissue biopsy-based procedures for cancer diagnosis and surveillance. The analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biofluids has recently gained significant traction in the liquid biopsy field. EVs offer an essential "snapshot" of their precursor cells in real time and contain an information-rich collection of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and so on. The analysis of protein phosphorylation, as a direct marker of cellular signaling and disease progression could be an important stepping stone to successful liquid biopsy applications. Here we introduce a rapid EV isolation method based on chemical affinity called EVtrap (extracellular vesicle total recovery and purification) for the EV phosphoproteomics analysis of human plasma. By incorporating EVtrap with high-performance mass spectrometry (MS), we were able to identify over 16 000 unique peptides representing 2238 unique EV proteins from just 5 μL of plasma sample, including most known EV markers, with substantially higher recovery levels compared with ultracentrifugation. Most importantly, more than 5500 unique phosphopeptides representing almost 1600 phosphoproteins in EVs were identified using only 1 mL of plasma. Finally, we carried out a quantitative EV phosphoproteomics analysis of plasma samples from patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer, identifying dozens of phosphoproteins capable of distinguishing disease states from healthy controls. The study demonstrates the potential feasibility of our robust analytical pipeline for cancer signaling monitoring by tracking plasma EV phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Iliuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Tymora Analytical Operations, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Li Li
- Tymora Analytical Operations, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Jie Sun
- College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Marco Hadisurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ronald S Boris
- Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - W Andy Tao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,Tymora Analytical Operations, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.,College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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46
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Russano M, Napolitano A, Ribelli G, Iuliani M, Simonetti S, Citarella F, Pantano F, Dell'Aquila E, Anesi C, Silvestris N, Argentiero A, Solimando AG, Vincenzi B, Tonini G, Santini D. Liquid biopsy and tumor heterogeneity in metastatic solid tumors: the potentiality of blood samples. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:95. [PMID: 32460897 PMCID: PMC7254767 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In a large number of cancer types, treatment selection depends on the presence of specific tumor biomarkers. Due to the dynamic nature of cancer, very often these predictive biomarkers are not uniformly present in all cancer cells. Tumor heterogeneity represents indeed one of the main causes of therapeutic failure, and its decoding remains a major ongoing challenge in the field. Liquid biopsy is the sampling and analysis of non-solid biological tissue often through rapid and non-invasive methods, which allows the assessment in real-time of the evolving landscape of cancer. Samples can be obtained from blood and most other bodily fluids. A blood-based liquid biopsy can capture circulating tumor cells and leukocytes, as well as circulating tumor-derived nucleic acids. In this review, we discuss the current and possibly future applications of blood-based liquid biopsy in oncology, its advantages and its limitations in clinical practice. We specifically focused on its role as a tool to capture tumor heterogeneity in metastatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Russano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Napolitano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ribelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Michele Iuliani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Simonetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Citarella
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dell'Aquila
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Anesi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS-Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS-Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS-Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine 'G. Baccelli', University of Bari Medical School, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
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47
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McCartney A, Benelli M, Di Leo A. Estimating the magnitude of clinical benefit from (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Breast 2020; 48 Suppl 1:S81-S84. [PMID: 31839168 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9776(19)31130-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-expression assays were originally validated retrospectively as tools of prognostication, with evidence emerging from more recent prospectively-conducted studies such as MINDACT and TAILORx supporting their clinical validity and utility as biomarkers in identifying patients with luminal breast cancer who might be spared chemotherapy. However, these assays still do not have the ability to identify all patients who may safely avoid chemotherapy, and may over-estimate the risk of relapse in some cases. Future studies should aim to prospectively integrate contemporary approaches that assume a theoretical risk of relapse (based on pathological and/or genomic evaluation of the primary tumour), with new tools that can detect signals of active micro-metastatic disease. Until current methods of estimating prognosis and predicting benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy are significantly refined, estimating and improving the true magnitude of benefit derived from chemotherapy remains a challenge for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia McCartney
- "Sandro Pitigliani" Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Di Leo
- "Sandro Pitigliani" Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy.
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48
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Nevel KS, DiStefano N, Lin X, Skakodub A, Ogilvie SQ, Reiner AS, Pentsova E, Boire A. A retrospective, quantitative assessment of disease burden in patients with leptomeningeal metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer. Neuro Oncol 2020; 22:675-683. [PMID: 32352148 PMCID: PMC7229251 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvements in detection and molecular characterization of leptomeningeal metastasis from lung cancer (LC-LM) coupled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-penetrating targeted therapies have altered disease management. A barrier to formal study of these therapies in LM is quantification of disease burden. Also, outcomes of patients with targetable mutations in LC-LM are not well defined. This study employs molecular and radiographic measures of LM disease burden and correlates these with outcome. METHODS We reviewed charts of 171 patients with LC-LM treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering. A subset had MRI and CSF studies available. Radiographic involvement (n = 76) was scored by number of gadolinium-enhancing sites in 8 locations. CSF studies included cytopathology, circulating tumor cell (CTC) quantification (n = 16), and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis (n = 21). Clinical outcomes were compared with Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards methodologies. RESULTS Median overall survival was 4.2 months (95% CI: 3.6-4.9); 84 patients (49%) harbored targetable mutations. Among bevacizumab-naïve patients with MRI and CSF cytology at time of LC-LM diagnosis, extent of radiographic involvement correlated with risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02-1.33; P = 0.03), as did CSF CTC (HR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.01-11.37; P = 0.048) and CSF cfDNA concentration (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 0.94-7.05; P = 0.06). Those without a targetable mutation were almost 50% more likely to die (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.06-2.11; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Extent of radiographic involvement and quantification of CSF CTC and cfDNA show promise as prognostic indicators. These findings support molecular characterization and staging for clinical management, prognostication, and clinical trial stratification of LC-LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S Nevel
- Department of Neurology, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Natalie DiStefano
- Brain Tumor Center, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xuling Lin
- Department of Neurology, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Anna Skakodub
- Department of Neurology, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Shahiba Q Ogilvie
- Brain Tumor Center, New York, New York
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Anne S Reiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elena Pentsova
- Department of Neurology, New York, New York
- Brain Tumor Center, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Adrienne Boire
- Department of Neurology, New York, New York
- Brain Tumor Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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49
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Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Clinical Applications and Future Possibilities. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10093311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have gained importance as an emerging biomarker in solid tumors in the last two decades. Several detection assays have been introduced by various study groups, with EpCAM-based CellSearch system being the most widely used and standardized technique. In breast cancer, detection of CTCs correlates with clinical outcome in early and metastatic settings. CTC persistence beyond first cycle of palliative chemotherapy indicates poor response to treatment in metastatic situation. Beyond prognostication and therapy monitoring, CTC counts can guide treatment decisions in hormone receptor positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, CTC-based therapy interventions are currently under investigation in clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the current state of knowledge and possible clinical applications of CTC diagnostics in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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50
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O'Toole SA, Spillane C, Huang Y, Fitzgerald MC, Ffrench B, Mohamed B, Ward M, Gallagher M, Kelly T, O'Brien C, Ruttle C, Bogdanska A, Martin C, Mullen D, Connolly E, McGarrigle SA, Kennedy J, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cell enumeration does not correlate with Miller-Payne grade in a cohort of breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 181:571-580. [PMID: 32378053 PMCID: PMC7220879 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The association between pathological complete response (pCR) in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer and Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess whether CTC enumeration could be used to predict pathological response to NAC in breast cancer as measured by the Miller–Payne grading system. Methods Twenty-six patients were recruited, and blood samples were taken pre- and post-NAC. CTCs were isolated using the ScreenCell device and stained using a modified Giemsa stain. CTCs were enumerated by 2 pathologists and classified as single CTCs, doublets, clusters/microemboli and correlated with the pathological response as measured by the Miller–Payne grading system. χ2 or ANOVA was performed in SPSS 24.0 statistics software for associations. Results 89% of patients had invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 11% invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). At baseline 85% of patients had CTCs present, median 7 (0–161) CTCs per 3 ml of whole blood. Post-chemotherapy, 58% had an increase in CTCs. This did not correlate with the Miller–Payne grade of response. No significant association was identified between the number of CTCs and clinical characteristics; however, we did observe a correlation between pre-treatment CTC counts and body mass index, p < 0.05. Conclusions Patients with a complete response to NAC still had CTCs present, suggesting enumeration is not sufficient to aid surgery stratification. Additional characterisation and larger studies are needed to further characterise CTCs isolated pre- and post-chemotherapy. Long-term follow-up of these patients will determine the significance of CTCs in NAC breast cancer patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-020-05658-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lobular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Lobular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lobular/pathology
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Neoadjuvant Therapy/mortality
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/pathology
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Survival Rate
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Cathy Spillane
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Yanmei Huang
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
- School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Marie C Fitzgerald
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Brendan Ffrench
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bashir Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Michael Gallagher
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Cathal O'Brien
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Carmel Ruttle
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Bogdanska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Dorinda Mullen
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Connolly
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sarah A McGarrigle
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John Kennedy
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
- HOPE Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin and Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
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