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Chan YT, Zhang C, Wu J, Lu P, Xu L, Yuan H, Feng Y, Chen ZS, Wang N. Biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic options in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:189. [PMID: 39242496 PMCID: PMC11378508 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02101-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a global health challenge, causing a significant social-economic burden. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant type of primary liver cancer, which is highly heterogeneous in terms of molecular and cellular signatures. Early-stage or small tumors are typically treated with surgery or ablation. Currently, chemotherapies and immunotherapies are the best treatments for unresectable tumors or advanced HCC. However, drug response and acquired resistance are not predictable with the existing systematic guidelines regarding mutation patterns and molecular biomarkers, resulting in sub-optimal treatment outcomes for many patients with atypical molecular profiles. With advanced technological platforms, valuable information such as tumor genetic alterations, epigenetic data, and tumor microenvironments can be obtained from liquid biopsy. The inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of HCC are illustrated, and these collective data provide solid evidence in the decision-making process of treatment regimens. This article reviews the current understanding of HCC detection methods and aims to update the development of HCC surveillance using liquid biopsy. Recent critical findings on the molecular basis, epigenetic profiles, circulating tumor cells, circulating DNAs, and omics studies are elaborated for HCC diagnosis. Besides, biomarkers related to the choice of therapeutic options are discussed. Some notable recent clinical trials working on targeted therapies are also highlighted. Insights are provided to translate the knowledge into potential biomarkers for detection and diagnosis, prognosis, treatment response, and drug resistance indicators in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Pengde Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Lin Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Hongchao Yuan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Le MCN, Smith KA, Dopico PJ, Greer B, Alipanah M, Zhang Y, Siemann DW, Lagmay JP, Fan ZH. Investigating surface proteins and antibody combinations for detecting circulating tumor cells of various sarcomas. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12374. [PMID: 38811642 PMCID: PMC11137101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61651-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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have gathered attention as a biomarker for carcinomas. However, CTCs in sarcomas have received little attention. In this work, we investigated cell surface proteins and antibody combinations for immunofluorescence detection of sarcoma CTCs. A microfluidic device that combines filtration and immunoaffinity using gangliosides 2 and cell surface vimentin (CSV) antibodies was employed to capture CTCs. For CTC detection, antibodies against cytokeratins 7 and 8 (CK), pan-cytokeratin (panCK), or a combination of panCK and CSV were used. Thirty-nine blood samples were collected from 21 patients of various sarcoma subtypes. In the independent samples study, samples were subjected to one of three antibody combination choices. Significant difference in CTC enumeration was found between CK and panCK + CSV, and between panCK and panCK + CSV. Upon stratification of CK+ samples, those of metastatic disease had a higher CTC number than those of localized disease. In the paired samples study involving cytokeratin-positive sarcoma subtypes, using panCK antibody detected more CTCs than CK. Similarly, for osteosarcoma, using panCK + CSV combination resulted in a higher CTC count than panCK. This study emphasized deliberate selection of cell surface proteins for sarcoma CTC detection and subtype stratification for studying cancers as heterogeneous as sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Chau N Le
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Kierstin A Smith
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Pablo J Dopico
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Beate Greer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Morteza Alipanah
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Joanne P Lagmay
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Z Hugh Fan
- Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO Box 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Ma Y, Gan J, Bai Y, Cao D, Jiao Y. Minimal residual disease in solid tumors: an overview. Front Med 2023; 17:649-674. [PMID: 37707677 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1018-6] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) is termed as the small numbers of remnant tumor cells in a subset of patients with tumors. Liquid biopsy is increasingly used for the detection of MRD, illustrating the potential of MRD detection to provide more accurate management for cancer patients. As new techniques and algorithms have enhanced the performance of MRD detection, the approach is becoming more widely and routinely used to predict the prognosis and monitor the relapse of cancer patients. In fact, MRD detection has been shown to achieve better performance than imaging methods. On this basis, rigorous investigation of MRD detection as an integral method for guiding clinical treatment has made important advances. This review summarizes the development of MRD biomarkers, techniques, and strategies for the detection of cancer, and emphasizes the application of MRD detection in solid tumors, particularly for the guidance of clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jingbo Gan
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yinlei Bai
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuchen Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Nikanjam M, Kato S, Kurzrock R. Liquid biopsy: current technology and clinical applications. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:131. [PMID: 36096847 PMCID: PMC9465933 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies are increasingly used for cancer molecular profiling that enables a precision oncology approach. Circulating extracellular nucleic acids (cell-free DNA; cfDNA), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be isolated from the blood and other body fluids. This review will focus on current technologies and clinical applications for liquid biopsies. ctDNA/cfDNA has been isolated and analyzed using many techniques, e.g., droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, beads, emulsion, amplification, and magnetics (BEAMing), tagged-amplicon deep sequencing (TAm-Seq), cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing (CAPP-Seq), whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS-Seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). CTCs have been isolated using biomarker-based cell capture, and positive or negative enrichment based on biophysical and other properties. ctDNA/cfDNA and CTCs are being exploited in a variety of clinical applications: differentiating unique immune checkpoint blockade response patterns using serial samples; predicting immune checkpoint blockade response based on baseline liquid biopsy characteristics; predicting response and resistance to targeted therapy and chemotherapy as well as immunotherapy, including CAR-T cells, based on serial sampling; assessing shed DNA from multiple metastatic sites; assessing potentially actionable alterations; analyzing prognosis and tumor burden, including after surgery; interrogating difficult-to biopsy tumors; and detecting cancer at early stages. The latter can be limited by the small amounts of tumor-derived components shed into the circulation; furthermore, cfDNA assessment in all cancers can be confounded by clonal hematopoeisis of indeterminate potential, especially in the elderly. CTCs can be technically more difficult to isolate that cfDNA, but permit functional assays, as well as evaluation of CTC-derived DNA, RNA and proteins, including single-cell analysis. Blood biopsies are less invasive than tissue biopsies and hence amenable to serial collection, which can provide critical molecular information in real time. In conclusion, liquid biopsy is a powerful tool, and remarkable advances in this technology have impacted multiple aspects of precision oncology, from early diagnosis to management of refractory metastatic disease. Future research may focus on fluids beyond blood, such as ascites, effusions, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as methylation patterns and elements such as exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Nikanjam
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 1200 Garden View Road, Encinitas, CA, 92024, USA.
| | - Shumei Kato
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 1200 Garden View Road, Encinitas, CA, 92024, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,WIN Consortium, Paris, France
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Ding J, Li HY, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Wu J. Hedgehog Signaling, a Critical Pathway Governing the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010123. [PMID: 33440657 PMCID: PMC7826706 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a classic morphogen in controlling embryonic development and tissue repairing. Aberrant activation of Hh signaling has been well documented in liver cancer, including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma. The present review aims to update the current understanding on how abnormal Hh signaling molecules modulate initiation, progression, drug resistance and metastasis of HCC. The latest relevant literature was reviewed with our recent findings to provide an overview regarding the molecular interplay and clinical relevance of the Hh signaling in HCC management. Hh signaling molecules are involved in the transformation of pre-carcinogenic lesions to malignant features in chronic liver injury, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Activation of GLI target genes, such as ABCC1 and TAP1, is responsible for drug resistance in hepatoma cells, with a CD133−/EpCAM− surface molecular profile, and GLI1 and truncated GLI1 account for the metastatic feature of the hepatoma cells, with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases. A novel bioassay for the Sonic Hh ligand in tissue specimens may assist HCC diagnosis with negative α-fetoprotein and predict early microvascular invasion. In-depth exploration of the Hh signaling deepens our understanding of its molecular modulation in HCC initiation, drug sensitivity and metastasis, and guides precise management of HCC on an individual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing’an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, MOE/NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.-Y.L.); (L.Z.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-215-423-7705; Fax: +86-216-422-7201
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Tsai WS, Hung WS, Wang TM, Liu H, Yang CY, Wu SM, Hsu HL, Hsiao YC, Tsai HJ, Tseng CP. Circulating tumor cell enumeration for improved screening and disease detection of patients with colorectal cancer. Biomed J 2020; 44:S190-S200. [PMID: 35292267 PMCID: PMC9068522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay for disease detection of CRC is associated with a high false-positive rate and a low detection sensitivity, respectively. There is an unmet need to define additional modalities to complement these assays. Different subsets of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are present in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. Whether or not CTCs testing supplements these clinical assays and is valuable for patients with CRC was investigated. Methods CTCs were enriched from pre-operative patients with CRC (n = 109) and the non-cancerous controls (n = 65). CTCs expressing either epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) or podoplanin (PDPN, the marker associated with poor cancer prognosis) were defined by immunofluorescence staining and were analyzed alone or in combination with iFOBT or serum CEA. Results Patients with early or advanced stage of CRC can be clearly identified and differentiated from the non-cancerous controls (p < 0.001) by EpCAM+-CTC or PDPN+-CTC count. The sensitivity and specificity of EpCAM+-CTCs was 85.3% and 78.5%, respectively, when the cutoff value was 23 EpCAM+-CTCs/mL of blood; and the sensitivity and specificity of PDPN+-CTCs was 78.0% and 75.4%, respectively, when the cutoff value was 7 PDPN+-CTCs/mL of blood. Combined analysis of iFOBT with the EpCAM+-CTC and PDPN+-CTC count reduced the false-positive rate of iFOBT from 56.3% to 18.8% and 23.4%, respectively. Combined analysis of serum CEA with the EpCAM+-CTC and PDPN+-CTC count increased the disease detection rate from 30.3% to 89.9% and 86.2%, respectively. Conclusion CTC testing could supplement iFOBT to improve CRC screening and supplement serum CEA assay for better disease detection of patients with CRC.
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Agashe R, Kurzrock R. Circulating Tumor Cells: From the Laboratory to the Cancer Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092361. [PMID: 32825548 PMCID: PMC7564158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells that are shed from tumors into the bloodstream. Cell enrichment and isolation technology as well as molecular profiling via next-generation sequencing have allowed for a greater understanding of tumor cancer biology via the interrogation of CTCs. CTC detection can be used to predict cancer relapse, progression, and survival; evaluate treatment effectiveness; and explore the ex vivo functional impact of agents. Detection methods can be by either immunoaffinity (positive or negative enrichment strategies) or biophysical strategies. CTC characterization, which is performed by DNA, RNA, and/or protein techniques, can predict metastatic potential. Currently, CTC-derived explant models may mimic patient response to chemotherapy and help with studying druggable targets and testing treatments. The Food and Drug Administration has cleared a CTC blood test to enumerate CTCs derived from breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. In conclusion, liquid biopsies via CTCs provide a non-invasive way to obtain important diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information in patients with cancer.
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Lustberg MB, Stover DG, Chalmers JJ. Implementing Liquid Biopsies in Clinical Trials: State of Affairs, Opportunities, and Challenges. Cancer J 2019; 24:61-64. [PMID: 29601331 PMCID: PMC5880324 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A primary goal of personalized medicine is to develop tumor-specific biomarkers to aid in treatment selection and to better evaluate response to targeted therapies. The assessment of circulating blood markers as surrogate real-time biopsies of disease status, termed liquid biopsies, has been under investigation. There are many different types of liquid biopsies each with different functionalities and limitations. These include tumor markers, circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles including exosomes. Multiple clinical trials have evaluated liquid biopsies as prognostic biomarkers with positive results. Additional studies are underway to evaluate liquid biopsies as predictive biomarkers, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and surrogate efficacy endpoints for treatment response evaluation. There are several challenges in and barriers to implementation of liquid biopsies into clinical trials and subsequently into routine clinical practice, which are addressed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam B. Lustberg
- Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel G Stover
- Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeff J Chalmers
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio State University, 151 W. Woodruff Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids in patients with gynecological malignancies. Virchows Arch 2018; 473:395-403. [PMID: 30145616 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ability to detect cancer cells in the blood or in the bone marrow offers invaluable information which potentially impacts early diagnosis, monitoring of treatment, and prognosis. Accessing blood or other body fluids has the additional advantage of being less invasive than biopsy. Consequently, considerable effort has been invested in the last 20 years in optimizing assays which may identify malignant cells at these anatomic sites. Detection of nucleic acids has been applied as alternative approach in this context, first targeting single cancer-associated genes using PCR-based technology, and recently using assays which identify different DNA classes, as well as microRNAs and exosomes. The present review focuses on studies which applied these assays to the detection of cells or cellular components originating from gynecological cancers.
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Tseng CP, Leong KK, Liou MJ, Hsu HL, Lin HC, Chen YA, Lin JD. Circulating epithelial cell counts for monitoring the therapeutic outcome of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:77453-77464. [PMID: 29100400 PMCID: PMC5652792 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Loco-regional recurrence or distant metastasis usually leads to the death of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Whether or not circulating epithelial cells (CECs) count is a valuable marker in monitoring the therapeutic outcome of PTC was investigated. Patients with PTC (n=129) were treated in our medical center and were categorized into 4 groups with excellent (n=45), biochemical incomplete (n=15), indeterminate (n=37), and structural incomplete (n=32) responses. CECs were enriched from the peripheral blood by the PowerMag negative selection system. Three subtypes of CECs expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR, a marker for thyroid cells), and podoplanin (PDPN, a marker related to poor prognosis in patients with PTC) were defined by immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The median number of CECs (cells/mL of blood) expressing EpCAM, TSHR, and PDPN was 23 (interquartile range 10-61), 19 (interquartile range 8-50), and 8 (interquartile range 3-22), respectively, for patients enrolled in this study. The number of EpCAM+-CECs, TSHR+-CECs, and PDPN+-CECs was statistically different among patients in different treatment response groups without interference from anti-thyroglobulin antibody (P<0.0001). Patients with structural incomplete response had higher counts for all three CECs subtypes when compared to other patients. EpCAM+-CECs was better in distinguishing patients with excellent response from structural incomplete response among the three subtypes of CECs. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay was 84.4% and 95.6%, respectively, when the cut off value was 39 EpCAM+-CECs/mL. CECs testing can supplement the current standard methods for monitoring the therapeutic outcome of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ping Tseng
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kong-Kit Leong
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Miaw-Jene Liou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsueh-Ling Hsu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Chih Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-An Chen
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jen-Der Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
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Micalizzi DS, Haber DA, Maheswaran S. Cancer metastasis through the prism of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in circulating tumor cells. Mol Oncol 2017; 11:770-780. [PMID: 28544498 PMCID: PMC5496489 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis of epithelial cancer cells to distant sites is a particularly critical stage of cancer progression that typically marks the incurability of the disease. It is governed by a complex series of events including invasion and intravasation of tumor cells into the stroma and blood, respectively. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic change marked by the loss of epithelial characteristics and the acquisition of invasive mesenchymal properties, is implicated in the dissemination of tumor cells. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the precursors of metastasis, can be used to interrogate the contribution of EMT in metastasis and therapeutic responses. The analysis of these CTCs and in particular the presence of inter- and intrapatient heterogeneity for markers of EMT has provided new insights into the metastatic process. This review will focus on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in CTCs and its potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas S. Micalizzi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
- Department of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
| | - Daniel A. Haber
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
- Department of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteChevy ChaseMDUSA
| | - Shyamala Maheswaran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
- Department of SurgeryHarvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMAUSA
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