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Circulating tumour cells and cell-free DNA as a prognostic factor in metastatic colorectal cancer: the OMITERC prospective study. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:94-100. [PMID: 33953347 PMCID: PMC8257609 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the OMITERC prospective study (OMIcs application from solid to liquid biopsy for a personalised ThERapy of Cancer), we explored the prognostic role of liquid biopsy encompassing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in KRAS mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). METHODS We defined a workflow including pre-analytical and analytical procedures collecting blood before therapy and every 3 months until disease progression (PD). CTCs were counted by CellSearch® and isolated by DEPArray™. NGS sequencing of CTCs and cfDNA was performed using a panel of cancer/CRC related genes respectively. RESULTS KRAS mutational status was mostly concordant between tumour tissues and liquid biopsy. The percentage of cfDNA samples with mutations in CRC driver genes was in line with literature. In longitudinal monitoring circulating biomarkers anticipated or overlapped conventional diagnostic tools in predicting PD. The presence of CTCs at baseline was confirmed a negative prognostic marker. CONCLUSIONS Cell-free DNA and CTCs are readily available candidates for clinical application in mCRC. While CTCs demonstrated a prognostic significance at baseline, cfDNA was confirmed an easily accessible material for monitoring the mutational status of the tumour over time. Moreover, in the longitudinal study, the two markers emerged as complementary in assessing disease progression.
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Pinzani P, D'Argenio V, Del Re M, Pellegrini C, Cucchiara F, Salvianti F, Galbiati S. Updates on liquid biopsy: current trends and future perspectives for clinical application in solid tumors. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:1181-1200. [PMID: 33544478 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in screening and therapeutics cancer continues to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The molecular profile of tumor is routinely assessed by surgical or bioptic samples, however, genotyping of tissue has inherent limitations: it represents a single snapshot in time and it is subjected to spatial selection bias owing to tumor heterogeneity. Liquid biopsy has emerged as a novel, non-invasive opportunity of detecting and monitoring cancer in several body fluids instead of tumor tissue. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), RNA (mRNA and microRNA), microvesicles, including exosomes and tumor "educated platelets" were recently identified as a source of genomic information in cancer patients which could reflect all subclones present in primary and metastatic lesions allowing sequential monitoring of disease evolution. In this review, we summarize the currently available information concerning liquid biopsy in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and melanoma. These promising issues still need to be standardized and harmonized across laboratories, before fully adopting liquid biopsy approaches into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Pinzani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Pellegrini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Federico Cucchiara
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvianti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Galbiati
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Cantini G, Canu L, Armignacco R, Salvianti F, De Filpo G, Ercolino T, Nesi G, Maggi M, Mannelli M, Pinzani P, Luconi M. Prognostic and Monitoring Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Preliminary Monocentric Study. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113176. [PMID: 33138000 PMCID: PMC7693770 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Carcinoma of the cortical region of the adrenal (ACC) is a rare and aggressive cancer often with poor prognosis and limited therapies. For these reasons, tumor markers for early diagnosis and monitoring the therapy and tumor evolution are required. This paper demonstrates in a cohort of 19 patients affected by ACC, that in a simple blood draw (liquid biopsy), different cells associated with the tumor can be found in samples taken before and after surgery. Among them, the number of circulating tumor cells in blood samples taken before surgery can be predictive of the patients’ survival and tumor recurrence, thus contributing valuable information on the tumor, which may contribute to improve patient management and follow up. Further studies on larger cohorts of ACC patients are required to validate this novel finding. Abstract Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive neoplasia, presents poor prognosis when metastatic at diagnosis and limited therapies are available. Specific and sensitive markers for early diagnosis and a monitoring system of therapy and tumor evolution are urgently needed. The liquid biopsy represents a source of tumor material within a minimally invasive blood draw that allows the recovery of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs have been recently shown to be detectable in ACC. In the present paper, we evaluated the prognostic value of CTCs obtained by size-filtration in a small pilot cohort of 19 ACC patients. We found CTCs in 68% of pre-surgery and in 38% of post-surgery blood samples. In addition, CTC clusters (CTMs) and cancer associated macrophages (CAMLs) were detectable in some ACC patients. The median number of CTCs significantly decreased after the mass removal. Finally, stratifying patients in high and low pre-surgery CTC number groups, assuming the 75th percentile CTC value as cut-off, CTCs significantly predicted patients’ overall survival (log rank = 0.005), also in a multivariate analysis adjusted for age and tumor stage. In conclusion, though preliminary and performed in a small cohort of patients, our study suggests that CTC number may represent a promising marker for prognosis and disease monitoring in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cantini
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Letizia Canu
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Roberta Armignacco
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France;
| | - Francesca Salvianti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Giuseppina De Filpo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | | | - Gabriella Nesi
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Massimo Mannelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Pamela Pinzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Michaela Luconi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (G.D.F.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-275-8239
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Evaluation of radioactive 125I seed implantation for the treatment of refractory malignant tumours based on a CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique: efficacy and safety. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:718. [PMID: 32746784 PMCID: PMC7398391 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To observe the medium- and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of radioactive 125I seed implantation for refractory malignant tumours based on CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique. Methods Twenty-five patients with refractory malignant tumours who underwent radioactive 125I seed implantation based on CT-guided 3D template-assisted technique were selected. The post-operative adverse reactions were recorded. The number of puncture needles and particles used in the operation, dosimetric parameters, post-operative physical strength scores, and tumour response were statistically analysed. The overall survival time and survival rate were calculated, and the effect and prognosis were assessed. Results 125I seed implantation was successful in all patients without serious complications. The average number of implanted puncture needles was 17 (19.12 ± 13.00), and the median number of particles was 52 (55.12 ± 32.97). D90 in the post-operative clinical target volume (CTV) (93.24 ± 15.70 Gy) was slightly lower than that in the pre-operative CTV (93.92 ± 17.60 Gy; P > 0.05). The D90 in the post-operative planning target volume (PTV) (142.16 ± 22.25 Gy) was lower than the pre-operative PTV (145.32 ± 23.48 Gy; P > 0.05). The tumour responses at 6 months post-operatively: complete remission (CR), 20% (5/25); partial remission (PR), 48% (12/25); stable disease (SD), 24% (6/25); progressive disease (PD), 8% (2/25); CR + PR, 68% (17/25); and local control rate, 92% (23/25). The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 100, 88, and 52%, respectively. The post-operative physical strength score (Karnofsky performance score, KPS) exhibited a gradual trend towards recovery, which rose to the highest value 12 months after implantation and then decreased slightly, but the average score was still > 90 points. There was one intra-operative pneumothorax, and two patients with superficial malignant tumours developed skin ulcerations. Multivariate analysis of prognosis showed that tumour sites and types were independent risk factors affecting survival. The number of needles and particles and template types were not the factors. Conclusions 3D template combined with CT-guided radioactive 125I seed implantation can improve the rational distribution of radiation dose in the tumour target area because accurate radioactive 125I particle implantation was achieved. This technique has fewer complications and can further extend the overall survival and improve the quality of life. Trial registration Registration number: ChiCTR2000034566 2020/7/10 0:00:00 Retrospectively registered.
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Zou L, Imani S, Maghsoudloo M, Shasaltaneh MD, Gao L, Zhou J, Wen Q, Liu S, Zhang L, Chen G. Genome‑wide copy number analysis of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer patients with liver metastasis. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1075-1093. [PMID: 32705227 PMCID: PMC7388446 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7650] [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: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome‑wide copy number analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provides a promising prognostic biomarker for survival in breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) patients. The present study aimed to confirm the prognostic value of the presence of CTCs in BCLM patients. We previously developed an assay for the genome‑wide pattern differences in copy number variations (CNVs) as an adjunct test for the routine imaging and histopathologic diagnosis methods to distinguish newly diagnosed liver metastases and recurrent liver metastases. Forty‑three breast cancer patients were selected for this study in which 23 newly diagnosed and 20 recurrent liver metastases were diagnosed by histopathology and 18F‑FDG PET/CT imaging. CTCs were counted from all patients using the CellSearch system and were confirmed by cytomorphology and three‑color immunocytochemistry. Genomic DNA of single CTCs was amplified using multiple annealing and looping based amplification cycles (MALBAC). Then, we compared the CTC numbers of newly diagnosed and recurrent BCLM patients using Illumina platforms. A high CTC frequency (>15 CTCs/7.5 ml blood) was found to be correlated with disease severity and metastatic progression, which suggests the value for CTCs in the diagnosis of BCLM in comparison with pathohistology and PET/CT imaging (P>0.05). Moreover, CTCs isolated from BCLM patients remained an independent prognostic detection factor associated with overall survival (P=0.0041). Comparison between newly diagnosed and recurrent liver metastases revealed different frequencies of CNVs (P>0.05). Notably, the CNV pattern of isolated CTCs of recurrent BCLM patients was similar to recurrent liver metastases (nearly 82% of the gain/loss regions). Functional enrichment analysis identified 25 genes as a CNV signature of BCLM. Among them, were defensin and β‑defensin genes, which are significantly associated with anti‑angiogenesis and immunomodulation signaling pathways. High CTC frequencies are effective in the evaluation and differentiation between newly diagnosed liver metastases from recurrent liver metastases. Future clinical studies will be necessary to fully determine the prognostic potential of CTC cluster signatures in patients with BCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglin Zou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Mazaher Maghsoudloo
- Laboratory of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614411, Iran
| | | | - Lanyang Gao
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zhou
- School of Humanities and Management Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Shuya Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Leisheng Zhang
- The Postdoctoral Research Station, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Medical Equipment, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Salvianti F, Gelmini S, Costanza F, Mancini I, Sonnati G, Simi L, Pazzagli M, Pinzani P. The pre-analytical phase of the liquid biopsy. N Biotechnol 2019; 55:19-29. [PMID: 31580920 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The term 'liquid biopsy', introduced in 2013 in reference to the analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in cancer patients, was extended to cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) circulating in blood and other body fluids. CTCs and cfNAs are now considered diagnostic and prognostic markers, used as surrogate materials for the molecular characterisation of solid tumours, in particular for research on tumour-specific or actionable somatic mutations. Molecular characterisation of cfNAs and CTCs (especially at the single cell level) is technically challenging, requiring highly sensitive and specific methods and/or multi-step processes. The analysis of the liquid biopsy relies on a plethora of methods whose standardisation cannot be accomplished without disclosing criticisms related to the pre-analytical phase. Thus, pre-analytical factors potentially influencing downstream cellular and molecular analyses must be considered in order to translate the liquid biopsy approach into clinical practice. The present review summarises the most recent reports in this field, discussing the main pre-analytical aspects related to CTCs, cfNAs and exosomes in blood samples for liquid biopsy analysis. A short discussion on non-blood liquid biopsy samples is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Salvianti
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Gelmini
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Filomena Costanza
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Mancini
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Gemma Sonnati
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa Simi
- Molecular and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Pazzagli
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Pinzani
- Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini,6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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DiPardo BJ, Winograd P, Court CM, Tomlinson JS. Pancreatic cancer circulating tumor cells: applications for personalized oncology. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:809-820. [PMID: 30099926 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1511429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal disease, in part because of early metastasis, late diagnosis, and limited treatment options. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that have achieved the metastatic step of intravasation, and are thus a unique source of biomarkers with potential applications in the staging, prognostication, and treatment of PC. Areas covered: This review describes the use of CTCs in PC, including isolation methods, the significance of CTC enumeration, and studies examining phenotypic and molecular characteristics of CTCs. We also speculate on future directions for PC CTC research such as single-cell analysis and CTC culture. Expert commentary: CTCs represent a potential unique serial source of cancer tissue via a convenient and minimally invasive blood draw. Recent development of isolation methods that allow for the release of viable CTCs with unaltered molecular characteristics has set the stage for single-cell analysis and ex vivo culture. Although there is significant potential for CTCs as a biomarker to impact PC from diagnosis to therapy, there still remain a number of challenges to the routine implementation of CTCs in the clinical management of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J DiPardo
- a Department of Surgery , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Health Administration , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Paul Winograd
- a Department of Surgery , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Health Administration , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Colin M Court
- a Department of Surgery , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Health Administration , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - James S Tomlinson
- a Department of Surgery , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Greater Los Angeles Veterans Health Administration , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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