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Wiegmans AP, Ivanova E, Naei VY, Monkman J, Fletcher J, Mullally W, Warkiani ME, O'Byrne K, Kulasinghe A. Poor patient outcome correlates with active engulfment of cytokeratin positive CTCs within cancer-associated monocyte population in lung cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:219-228. [PMID: 38416302 PMCID: PMC11213738 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10270-w] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
High rates of mortality in non-small cell lung cancer lung cancer is due to inherent and acquired resistance to systemic therapies and subsequent metastatic burden. Metastasis is supported by suppression of the immune system at secondary organs and within the circulation. Modulation of the immune system is now being exploited as a therapeutic target with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The tracking of therapeutic efficacy in a real-time can be achieved with liquid biopsy, and evaluation of circulating tumour cells and the associated immune cells. A stable liquid biopsy biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer lung cancer has yet to be approved for clinical use. We performed a cross-sectional single-site study, and collected liquid biopsies from patients diagnosed with early, locally advanced, or metastatic lung cancer, undergoing surgery, or systemic therapy (chemotherapy/checkpoint inhibitors). Evaluation of overall circulating tumour cell counts, or cluster counts did not correlate with patient outcome. Interestingly, the numbers of Pan cytokeratin positive circulating tumour cells engulfed by tumour associated monocytes correlated strongly with patient outcome independent of circulating tumour cell counts and the use of checkpoint inhibitors. We suggest that Pan cytokeratin staining within monocytes is an important indicator of tumour-associated inflammation post-therapy and an effective biomarker with strong prognostic capability for patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Wiegmans
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Oncology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - E Ivanova
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - V Y Naei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J Monkman
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J Fletcher
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Oncology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - W Mullally
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Oncology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - M E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - K O'Byrne
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Oncology, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - A Kulasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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2
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Kotsifaki A, Maroulaki S, Armakolas A. Exploring the Immunological Profile in Breast Cancer: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Prognosis through Circulating Tumor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4832. [PMID: 38732051 PMCID: PMC11084220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094832] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate immunological landscape of breast cancer (BC), focusing on recent advances in diagnosis and prognosis through the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Positioned within the broader context of BC research, it underscores the pivotal role of the immune system in shaping the disease's progression. The primary objective of this investigation is to synthesize current knowledge on the immunological aspects of BC, with a particular emphasis on the diagnostic and prognostic potential offered by CTCs. This review adopts a thorough examination of the relevant literature, incorporating recent breakthroughs in the field. The methodology section succinctly outlines the approach, with a specific focus on CTC analysis and its implications for BC diagnosis and prognosis. Through this review, insights into the dynamic interplay between the immune system and BC are highlighted, with a specific emphasis on the role of CTCs in advancing diagnostic methodologies and refining prognostic assessments. Furthermore, this review presents objective and substantiated results, contributing to a deeper understanding of the immunological complexity in BC. In conclusion, this investigation underscores the significance of exploring the immunological profile of BC patients, providing valuable insights into novel advances in diagnosis and prognosis through the utilization of CTCs. The objective presentation of findings emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in BC dynamics, thereby opening avenues for enhanced clinical management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (S.M.)
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3
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Yao S, Han Y, Yang M, Jin K, Lan H. Integration of liquid biopsy and immunotherapy: opening a new era in colorectal cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292861. [PMID: 38077354 PMCID: PMC10702507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292861] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the conventional treatment approaches for colorectal cancer (CRC), offering new therapeutic prospects for patients. Liquid biopsy has shown significant potential in early screening, diagnosis, and postoperative monitoring by analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the era of immunotherapy, liquid biopsy provides additional possibilities for guiding immune-based treatments. Emerging technologies such as mass spectrometry-based detection of neoantigens and flow cytometry-based T cell sorting offer new tools for liquid biopsy, aiming to optimize immune therapy strategies. The integration of liquid biopsy with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, enabling breakthroughs in early diagnosis and treatment, and providing patients with more personalized, precise, and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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4
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Mazzitelli C, Santini D, Corradini AG, Zamagni C, Trerè D, Montanaro L, Taffurelli M. Liquid Biopsy in the Management of Breast Cancer Patients: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071241. [PMID: 37046459 PMCID: PMC10092978 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy (LB) is an emerging diagnostic tool that analyzes biomarkers in the blood (and possibly in other body fluids) to provide information about tumor genetics and response to therapy. This review article provides an overview of LB applications in human cancer with a focus on breast cancer patients. LB methods include circulating tumor cells and cell-free tumor products, such as circulating tumor DNA. LB has shown potential in detecting cancer at an early stage, monitoring tumor progression and recurrence, and predicting patient response to therapy. Several studies have demonstrated its clinical utility in breast cancer patients. However, there are limitations to LB, including the lack of standardized assays and the need for further validation. Future potential applications of LB include identifying the minimal residual disease, early detection of recurrence, and monitoring treatment response in various cancer types. LB represents a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool with potential applications in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Further research is necessary to fully understand its clinical utility and overcome its current limitations.
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5
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Phenotypic Plasticity in Circulating Tumor Cells Is Associated with Poor Response to Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051616. [PMID: 36900406 PMCID: PMC10000974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are indicators of metastatic spread and progression. In a longitudinal, single-center trial of patients with metastatic breast cancer starting a new line of treatment, a microcavity array was used to enrich CTCs from 184 patients at up to 9 timepoints at 3-month intervals. CTCs were analyzed in parallel samples from the same blood draw by imaging and by gene expression profiling to capture CTC phenotypic plasticity. Enumeration of CTCs by image analysis relying primarily on epithelial markers from samples obtained before therapy or at 3-month follow-up identified the patients at the highest risk of progression. CTC counts decreased with therapy, and progressors had higher CTC counts than non-progressors. CTC count was prognostic primarily at the start of therapy in univariate and multivariate analyses but had less prognostic utility at 6 months to 1 year later. In contrast, gene expression, including both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, identified high-risk patients after 6-9 months of treatment, and progressors had a shift towards mesenchymal CTC gene expression on therapy. Cross-sectional analysis showed higher CTC-related gene expression in progressors 6-15 months after baseline. Furthermore, patients with higher CTC counts and CTC gene expression experienced more progression events. Longitudinal time-dependent multivariate analysis indicated that CTC count, triple-negative status, and CTC expression of FGFR1 significantly correlated with inferior progression-free survival while CTC count and triple-negative status correlated with inferior overall survival. This highlights the utility of protein-agnostic CTC enrichment and multimodality analysis to capture the heterogeneity of CTCs.
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6
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Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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7
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Balkrishna A, Mittal R, Arya V. Tumor Suppressive Role of MicroRNAs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3357-3367. [PMID: 38037837 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272489231124095922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers are highly aggressive, a heterogeneous form of breast cancer with a high re-occurrence rate that further lacks an efficient treatment strategy and prognostic marker. The tumor microenvironment of the disease comprises cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, immunological molecules, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and a metastatic microenvironment that contributes to disease progression and metastasis to distant sites. Emerging evidence indicated that miRNA clusters would be of clinical utility as they exert an oncogenic or tumor suppressor role in TNBC. The present review article aims to highlight the therapeutic significance of miRNA in targeting the above-mentioned signaling cascades and modulating the intracellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC. Prognostic implications of miRNAs to depict disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, relapse-free survival, and overall survival outcome were also unveiled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Rashmi Mittal
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Vedpriya Arya
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, India
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8
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Telekes A, Horváth A. The Role of Cell-Free DNA in Cancer Treatment Decision Making. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6115. [PMID: 36551600 PMCID: PMC9776613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to evaluate the present status of the use of cell-free DNA and its fraction of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) because this year July 2022, an ESMO guideline was published regarding the application of ctDNA in patient care. This review is for clinical oncologists to explain the concept, the terms used, the pros and cons of ctDNA; thus, the technical aspects of the different platforms are not reviewed in detail, but we try to help in navigating the current knowledge in liquid biopsy. Since the validated and adequately sensitive ctDNA assays have utility in identifying actionable mutations to direct targeted therapy, ctDNA may be used for this soon in routine clinical practice and in other different areas as well. The cfDNA fragments can be obtained by liquid biopsy and can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and selecting among treatment options in cancer patients. A great proportion of cfDNA comes from normal cells of the body or from food uptake. Only a small part (<1%) of it is related to tumors, originating from primary tumors, metastatic sites, or circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Soon the data obtained from ctDNA may routinely be used for finding minimal residual disease, detecting relapse, and determining the sites of metastases. It might also be used for deciding appropriate therapy, and/or emerging resistance to the therapy and the data analysis of ctDNA may be combined with imaging or other markers. However, to achieve this goal, further clinical validations are inevitable. As a result, clinicians should be aware of the limitations of the assays. Of course, several open questions are still under research and because of it cfDNA and ctDNA testing are not part of routine care yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Telekes
- Omnimed-Etosz, Ltd., 81 Széher Rd., 1021 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University, 26. Üllői Rd., 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Horváth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, 46. Szentkirályi Rd., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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9
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Overcoming challenges to enable targeting of metastatic breast cancer tumour microenvironment with nano-therapeutics: Current status and future perspectives. OPENNANO 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2022.100083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Lv Z, Wang Q, Liu X, Du Z, Liang W, Liu T, Zheng Y, Ma B, Xue D. Genetic instability-related lncRNAs predict prognosis and influence the immune microenvironment in breast cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:926984. [PMID: 36118853 PMCID: PMC9478756 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.926984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome instability is a hallmark of cancer, and the function of lncRNAs in regulating genomic stability has been gradually characterized. However, the prognostic value of lncRNAs related to genetic instability has not been found in breast cancer. Here we constructed a genetic instability-related lncRNA model including U62317.4, SEMA3B-AS1, MAPT-AS1, AC115837.2, LINC01269, AL645608.7, and GACAT2. This model can evaluate the risk and predict the survival outcomes of patients. Further analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes between the high- and low-risk groups were enriched in immunity and cornified envelope formation pathways. In addition, M2 macrophages infiltrated more obviously in the high-risk group. In summary, lncRNAs related to genetic instability may influence the development of breast cancer through immune infiltration and keratinization. This study provides a wider insight into breast cancer development and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Biao Ma
- *Correspondence: Biao Ma, ; Dongbo Xue,
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11
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Cholesterol Synthesis Is Important for Breast Cancer Cell Tumor Sphere Formation and Invasion. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081908. [PMID: 36009455 PMCID: PMC9405659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has a high risk of recurrence and distant metastasis after remission. Controlling distant metastasis is important for reducing breast cancer mortality, but accomplishing this goal remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the molecular pathways underlying metastasis using cells that mimic the breast cancer distant metastasis process. HCC1143 breast cancer cells were cultured under two-dimensional (2D)-adherent, tumor sphere (TS), and reattached (ReA) culture conditions to mimic primary tumors, circulating tumor cells, and metastasized tumors, respectively. ReA cells demonstrated increased TS formation and enhanced invasion capacity compared to the original 2D-cultured parental cells. In addition, ReA cells had a higher frequency of ESA+CD44+CD24− population, which represents a stem-cell-like cell population. RNA sequencing identified the cholesterol synthesis pathway as one of the most significantly increased pathways in TS and ReA cells compared to parental cells, which was verified by measuring intracellular cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of the cholesterol synthesis pathway decreased the ability of cancer cells to form TSs and invade. Our results suggest that the cholesterol synthesis pathway plays an important role in the distant metastasis of breast cancer cells by augmenting TS formation and invasion capacity.
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12
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Functional Precision Oncology: The Next Frontier to Improve Glioblastoma Outcome? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158637. [PMID: 35955765 PMCID: PMC9369403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158637] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains the most malignant and intrinsically resistant brain tumour in adults. Despite intensive research over the past few decades, through which numerous potentially druggable targets have been identified, virtually all clinical trials of the past 20 years have failed to improve the outcome for the vast majority of GBM patients. The observation that small subgroups of patients displayed a therapeutic response across several unsuccessful clinical trials suggests that the GBM patient population probably consists of multiple subgroups that probably all require a distinct therapeutic approach. Due to extensive inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, assigning the right therapy to each patient remains a major challenge. Classically, bulk genetic profiling would be used to identify suitable therapies, although the success of this approach remains limited due to tumor heterogeneity and the absence of direct relationships between mutations and therapy responses in GBM. An attractive novel strategy aims at implementing methods for functional precision oncology, which refers to the evaluation of treatment efficacies and vulnerabilities of (ex vivo) living tumor cells in a highly personalized way. Such approaches are currently being implemented for other cancer types by providing rapid, translatable information to guide patient-tailored therapeutic selections. In this review, we discuss the current state of the art of transforming technologies, tools and challenges for functional precision oncology and how these could improve therapy selection for GBM patients.
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13
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Malla R, Puvalachetty K, Vempati RK, Marni R, Merchant N, Nagaraju GP. Cancer Stem Cells and Circulatory Tumor Cells Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis. Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:507-514. [PMID: 35688785 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic, pathological cancer that significantly affects women worldwide. The mortality rate of BC is related to its heterogeneity, aggressive phenotype, and metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the interplay between metastasis mediators in BC. BC stem cells, tumor-derived exosomes, circulatory tumor cells (CTCs), and signaling pathways dynamically remodel the TME and promote metastasis. This review examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that facilitate metastasis. This review also discusses the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs), tumor-derived exosomes, and CTs in promoting BC metastasis. Furthermore, the review emphasizes major signaling pathways that mediate metastasis in BC. Finally, the interplay among CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in mediating metastasis have been highlighted. Therefore, understanding the molecular cues that mediate the association of CSCs, exosomes, and CTCs in TME helps to optimize systemic therapy to target metastatic BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kiran Puvalachetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul K Vempati
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rakshmitha Marni
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Merchant
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Vanasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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14
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Guo C, Zhou J, Ma B, Wang R, Ge Y, Wang Z, Ji B, Wang W, Zhang J, Wang Z. A Somatic Mutation-Derived LncRNA Signature of Genomic Instability Predicts Prognosis for Patients With Liver Cancer. Front Surg 2021; 8:724792. [PMID: 34504866 PMCID: PMC8421795 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.724792] [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: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Genomic instability is considered as one of the hallmarks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and poses a significant challenge to the clinical treatment. The emerging evidence has revealed the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the maintenance of genomic instability. This study is aimed to develop a genomic instability-related lncRNA signature for determining HCC prognosis and the suitability of patients for immunotherapy. Methods: In this study, data related to transcriptome profiling, clinical features, and the somatic mutations of patients with HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA). Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify and construct a somatic mutation-derived genomic instability-associated lncRNA signature (GILncSig). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was applied to estimate the levels of immune cell infiltration. A nomogram was constructed, and calibration was performed to assess the effectiveness of the model. Results: In the study, seven genomic instability-related lncRNAs were identified and used to define a prognostic signature. Patients with HCC were stratified into high- and low-risk groups with significant differences in the survival (median survival time = 1.489, 1.748 year; p = 0.006) based on the optimal cutoff value (risk score = 1.010) of the risk score in the training group. In addition, GILncSig was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for the patients with HCC when compared to the clinical parameters (p < 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, and calibration plot, the signature could predict the survival rate for the patients with HCC in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th years. Furthermore, ssGSEA revealed the potential of the signature in guiding decisions for administering clinical treatment. Conclusions: In this study, we developed a novel prognostic model based on the somatic mutation-derived lncRNAs and validated it using an internal dataset. The independence of the GILncSig was estimated using univariate and follow-up multivariate analyses. Immunologic analysis was used to evaluate the complex factors involved in the HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyu Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanli Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Juvale IIA, Hassan Z, Has ATC. The Emerging Roles of π Subunit-Containing GABA A Receptors in Different Cancers. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3851-3860. [PMID: 34790061 PMCID: PMC8579298 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60928] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both developed and developing countries. Due to its heterogenous nature, it occurs in various regions of the body and often goes undetected until later stages of disease progression. Feasible treatment options are limited because of the invasive nature of cancer and often result in detrimental side-effects and poor survival rates. Therefore, recent studies have attempted to identify aberrant expression levels of previously undiscovered proteins in cancer, with the hope of developing better diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical options. One class of such targets is the π-subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Although these receptors were discovered more than 20 years ago, there is limited information available. They possess atypical functional properties and are expressed in several non-neuronal tissues. Prior studies have highlighted the role of these receptors in the female reproductive system. New research focusing on the higher expression levels of these receptors in ovarian, breast, gastric, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, their physiological function in healthy individuals, and their pro-tumorigenic effects in these cancer types is reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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16
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Amelio I, Bertolo R, Bove P, Buonomo OC, Candi E, Chiocchi M, Cipriani C, Di Daniele N, Ganini C, Juhl H, Mauriello A, Marani C, Marshall J, Montanaro M, Palmieri G, Piacentini M, Sica G, Tesauro M, Rovella V, Tisone G, Shi Y, Wang Y, Melino G. Liquid biopsies and cancer omics. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:131. [PMID: 33298891 PMCID: PMC7691330 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the sequencing technologies allowed the generation of huge amounts of molecular data from a single cancer specimen, allowing the clinical oncology to enter the era of the precision medicine. This massive amount of data is highlighting new details on cancer pathogenesis but still relies on tissue biopsies, which are unable to capture the dynamic nature of cancer through its evolution. This assumption led to the exploration of non-tissue sources of tumoral material opening the field of liquid biopsies. Blood, together with body fluids such as urines, or stool, from cancer patients, are analyzed applying the techniques used for the generation of omics data. With blood, this approach would allow to take into account tumor heterogeneity (since the circulating components such as CTCs, ctDNA, or ECVs derive from each cancer clone) in a time dependent manner, resulting in a somehow "real-time" understanding of cancer evolution. Liquid biopsies are beginning nowdays to be applied in many cancer contexts and are at the basis of many clinical trials in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivano Amelio
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Riccardo Bertolo
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Chiocchi
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ganini
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Marani
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - John Marshall
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Palmieri
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manfredi Tesauro
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, 215123, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Gerry Melino
- Torvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TOR, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Santolla MF, Maggiolini M. The FGF/FGFR System in Breast Cancer: Oncogenic Features and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3029. [PMID: 33081025 PMCID: PMC7603197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the treatment of breast cancer is the heterogeneous nature of the disease. With multiple subtypes of breast cancer identified, there is an unmet clinical need for the development of therapies particularly for the less tractable subtypes. Several transduction mechanisms are involved in the progression of breast cancer, therefore making the assessment of the molecular landscape that characterizes each patient intricate. Over the last decade, numerous studies have focused on the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to target the main pathways dysregulated in breast cancer, however their effectiveness is often limited either by resistance to treatments or the appearance of adverse effects. In this context, the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) system represents an emerging transduction pathway and therapeutic target to be fully investigated among the diverse anti-cancer settings in breast cancer. Here, we have recapitulated previous studies dealing with FGFR molecular aberrations, such as the gene amplification, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations that occur in breast cancer. Furthermore, alterations in the FGF/FGFR signaling across the different subtypes of breast cancer have been described. Next, we discussed the functional interplay between the FGF/FGFR axis and important components of the breast tumor microenvironment. Lastly, we pointed out the therapeutic usefulness of FGF/FGFR inhibitors, as revealed by preclinical and clinical models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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18
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Freitas MO, Gartner J, Rangel-Pozzo A, Mai S. Genomic Instability in Circulating Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103001. [PMID: 33081135 PMCID: PMC7602879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we focus on recent advances in the detection and quantification of tumor cell heterogeneity and genomic instability of CTCs and the contribution of chromosome instability studies to genetic heterogeneity in CTCs at the single-CTC level. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can promote distant metastases and can be obtained through minimally invasive liquid biopsy for clinical assessment in cancer patients. Having both genomic heterogeneity and instability as common features, the genetic characterization of CTCs can serve as a powerful tool for a better understanding of the molecular changes occurring at tumor initiation and during tumor progression/metastasis. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in the detection and quantification of tumor cell heterogeneity and genomic instability in CTCs. We will focus on the contribution of chromosome instability studies to genetic heterogeneity in CTCs at the single-CTC level by discussing data from different cancer subtypes and their impact on diagnosis and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Oliveira Freitas
- Cell Biology, Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Canada;
- Genetic Service, Institute of Paediatrics and Puericulture Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil
- Clinical Medicine Postgraduate Programme, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - John Gartner
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada;
| | - Aline Rangel-Pozzo
- Cell Biology, Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Canada;
- Correspondence: (A.R.-P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +1-204-787-4125 (S.M.)
| | - Sabine Mai
- Cell Biology, Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, University of Manitoba, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Canada;
- Correspondence: (A.R.-P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +1-204-787-4125 (S.M.)
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