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Fabiano AR, Robbins SC, Knoblauch SV, Rowland SJ, Dombroski JA, King MR. Multiplex, high-throughput method to study cancer and immune cell mechanotransduction. Commun Biol 2024; 7:674. [PMID: 38824207 PMCID: PMC11144229 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06327-x] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Studying cellular mechanoresponses during cancer metastasis is limited by sample variation or complex protocols that current techniques require. Metastasis is governed by mechanotransduction, whereby cells translate external stimuli, such as circulatory fluid shear stress (FSS), into biochemical cues. We present high-throughput, semi-automated methods to expose cells to FSS using the VIAFLO96 multichannel pipetting device custom-fitted with 22 G needles, increasing the maximum FSS 94-fold from the unmodified tips. Specifically, we develop protocols to semi-automatically stain live samples and to fix, permeabilize, and intracellularly process cells for flow cytometry analysis. Our first model system confirmed that the pro-apoptotic effects of TRAIL therapeutics in prostate cancer cells can be enhanced via FSS-induced Piezo1 activation. Our second system implements this multiplex methodology to show that FSS exposure (290 dyn cm-2) increases activation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. These methodologies greatly improve the mechanobiology workflow, offering a high-throughput, multiplex approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Spencer C Robbins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Samantha V Knoblauch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Schyler J Rowland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Jenna A Dombroski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Michael R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2414 Highland Ave, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
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Liang L, Song X, Zhao H, Lim CT. Insights into the mechanobiology of cancer metastasis via microfluidic technologies. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021506. [PMID: 38841688 PMCID: PMC11151435 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195389] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, cancer cells will encounter various microenvironments with diverse physical characteristics. Changes in these physical characteristics such as tension, stiffness, viscosity, compression, and fluid shear can generate biomechanical cues that affect cancer cells, dynamically influencing numerous pathophysiological mechanisms. For example, a dense extracellular matrix drives cancer cells to reorganize their cytoskeleton structures, facilitating confined migration, while this dense and restricted space also acts as a physical barrier that potentially results in nuclear rupture. Identifying these pathophysiological processes and understanding their underlying mechanobiological mechanisms can aid in the development of more effective therapeutics targeted to cancer metastasis. In this review, we outline the advances of engineering microfluidic devices in vitro and their role in replicating tumor microenvironment to mimic in vivo settings. We highlight the potential cellular mechanisms that mediate their ability to adapt to different microenvironments. Meanwhile, we also discuss some important mechanical cues that still remain challenging to replicate in current microfluidic devices in future direction. While much remains to be explored about cancer mechanobiology, we believe the developments of microfluidic devices will reveal how these physical cues impact the behaviors of cancer cells. It will be crucial in the understanding of cancer metastasis, and potentially contributing to better drug development and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfeng Liang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Kulus M, Farzaneh M, Bryja A, Zehtabi M, Azizidoost S, Abouali Gale Dari M, Golcar-Narenji A, Ziemak H, Chwarzyński M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Dzięgiel P, Zabel M, Mozdziak P, Bukowska D, Kempisty B, Antosik P. Phenotypic Transitions the Processes Involved in Regulation of Growth and Proangiogenic Properties of Stem Cells, Cancer Stem Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:967-979. [PMID: 38372877 PMCID: PMC11087301 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10691-w] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process with significance in the metastasis of malignant tumors. It is through the acquisition of plasticity that cancer cells become more mobile and gain the ability to metastasize to other tissues. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is the return to an epithelial state, which allows for the formation of secondary tumors. Both processes, EMT and MET, are regulated by different pathways and different mediators, which affects the sophistication of the overall tumorigenesis process. Not insignificant are also cancer stem cells and their participation in the angiogenesis, which occur very intensively within tumors. Difficulties in effectively treating cancer are primarily dependent on the potential of cancer cells to rapidly expand and occupy secondarily vital organs. Due to the ability of these cells to spread, the concept of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) has emerged. Interestingly, CTCs exhibit molecular diversity and stem-like and mesenchymal features, even when derived from primary tumor tissue from a single patient. While EMT is necessary for metastasis, MET is required for CTCs to establish a secondary site. A thorough understanding of the processes that govern the balance between EMT and MET in malignancy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Golcar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hanna Ziemak
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Chwarzyński
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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Wang Y. The interplay of exercise and polyphenols in cancer treatment: A focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38690720 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Exercise has been demonstrated to induce an elevated production of free radicals, leading to the onset of oxidative stress. Numerous studies highlight the positive impacts of aerobic exercise, primarily attributed to the increase in overall antioxidant capacity. The evidence suggests that engaging in aerobic exercise contributes to a reduction in the likelihood of advanced cancer and mortality. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the generation of free radicals and the collective antioxidant defense system, encompassing both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Typically, oxidative stress triggers the formation of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, instigating or advancing various issues in cancers and other diseases. The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance serves as a direct measure of this imbalance in oxidative stress. Polyphenols contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, flavanols, and phenolic acids, conferring antioxidant properties. Previous research highlights the potential of polyphenols as antioxidants, with documented effects on reducing cancer risk by influencing processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This is primarily attributed to their recognized antioxidant capabilities. Considering the extensive array of signaling pathways associated with exercise and polyphenols, this overview will specifically focus on oxidative stress, the antioxidant efficacy of polyphenols and exercise, and their intricate interplay in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Wang
- College of Physical Education, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Du R, Han X, Deng L, Wang X. Epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes determine the dynamics of circulating breast tumor cells in microfluidic capillaries under chemotherapy-induced stress. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2024; 18:024106. [PMID: 38585003 PMCID: PMC10998713 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with different epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes play distinct roles in the metastatic cascade. However, the influence of their phenotypic traits and chemotherapy on their transit and retention within capillaries remains unclear. To explore this, we developed a microfluidic device comprising 216 microchannels of different widths from 5 to 16 μm to mimic capillaries. This platform allowed us to study the behaviors of human breast cancer epithelial MCF-7 and mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells through microchannels under chemotherapy-induced stress. Our results revealed that when the cell diameter to microchannel width ratio exceeded 1.2, MCF-7 cells exhibited higher transit percentages than MDA-MB-231 cells under a flow rate of 0.13 mm/s. Tamoxifen (250 nM) reduced the transit percentage of MCF-7 cells, whereas 100 nM paclitaxel decreased transit percentages for both cell types. These differential responses were partially due to altered cell stiffness following drug treatments. When cells were entrapped at microchannel entrances, tamoxifen, paclitaxel, and high-flow stress (0.5 mm/s) induced a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in MCF-7 cells. Tamoxifen treatment also elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MCF-7 cells. Conversely, MMP and ROS levels in entrapped MDA-MB-231 cells remained unaffected. Consequently, the viability and proliferation of entrapped MCF-7 cells declined under these chemical and physical stress conditions. Our findings emphasize that phenotypically distinct CTCs may undergo selective filtration and exhibit varied responses to chemotherapy in capillaries, thereby impacting cancer metastasis outcomes. This highlights the importance of considering both cell phenotype and drug response to improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linhong Deng
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
| | - Xiang Wang
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
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Cortés-Hernández LE, Eslami-S Z, Pantel K, Alix-Panabières C. Circulating Tumor Cells: From Basic to Translational Research. Clin Chem 2024; 70:81-89. [PMID: 38175586 PMCID: PMC10765989 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Most studies have focused on the primary tumor or on overt metastatic lesions, leaving a significant knowledge gap concerning blood-borne cancer cell dissemination, a major step in the metastatic cascade. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with solid cancer can now be enumerated and investigated at the molecular level, giving unexpected information on the biology of the metastatic cascade. CONTENT Here, we reviewed recent advances in basic and translational/clinical research on CTCs as key elements in the metastatic cascade. SUMMARY Findings from translational studies on CTCs have elucidated the complexity of the metastatic process. Fully understanding this process will open new potential avenues for cancer therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to propose precision medicine to all cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Cortés-Hernández
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zahra Eslami-S
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Bardol T, Eslami‐S Z, Masmoudi D, Alexandre M, Duboys de Labarre M, Bobrie A, D'Hondt V, Guiu S, Kurma K, Cayrefourcq L, Jacot W, Alix‐Panabières C. First evidence of AXL expression on circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer patients: A proof-of-concept study. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6843. [PMID: 38132919 PMCID: PMC10807582 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6843] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For several years, the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor, a member of the Tyro3-Axl-Mer (TAM) family, has been considered a new strategic target in oncology. AXL overexpression is common in solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. In this context, the detection of a subset of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that express AXL (AXL+ CTCs) could be clinically relevant. METHODS Immunostaining was performed to assess AXL expression in human breast cancer cell lines. The optimal conditions were established using flow cytometry. Spiking experiments were carried out to optimize the parameters of the CellSearch® system detection test. CTC enumeration and AXL expression were evaluated in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) before treatment initiation. RESULTS An innovative AXL+ CTC detection assay to be used with the CellSearch® system was developed. In a prospective longitudinal clinical trial, blood samples from 60 patients with untreated mBC were analyzed to detect AXL+ CTCs with this new assay. CTCs were detected in 35/60 patients (58.3%) and AXL+ CTCs were identified in 7 of these 35 patients (11.7% of all patients). CONCLUSION This newly established AXL+ CTC assay is a promising tool that can be used for liquid biopsy in future clinical trials to stratify and monitor patients with cancer receiving anti-AXL therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Zahra Eslami‐S
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Doryan Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Alexandre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Duboys de Labarre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Angélique Bobrie
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Véronique D'Hondt
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Séverine Guiu
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Catherine Alix‐Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
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