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Malkawi W, Lutfi A, Afghan MK, Shah LM, Costandy L, Ramirez AB, George TC, Toor F, Salem AK, Kasi PM. Circulating tumour cell enumeration, biomarker analyses, and kinetics in patients with colorectal cancer and other GI malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1305181. [PMID: 38044994 PMCID: PMC10693413 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1305181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Most of the work in terms of liquid biopsies in patients with solid tumors is focused on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood samples from patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Methods In this prospective study, blood samples were collected from each patient in 2 AccuCyte® blood collection tubes and each tube underwent CTC analysis performed utilizing the RareCyte® platform. The results from both tubes were averaged and a total of 150 draws were done, with 281 unique reported results. The cadence of sampling was based on convenience sampling and piggybacked onto days of actual clinical follow-ups and treatment visits. The CTC results were correlated with patient- and tumor-related variables. Results Data from a total of 59 unique patients were included in this study. Patients had a median age of 58 years, with males representing 69% of the study population. More than 57% had received treatment prior to taking blood samples. The type of GI malignancy varied, with more than half the patients having colorectal cancer (CRC, 54%) followed by esophageal/gastric cancer (17%). The least common cancer was cholangiocarcinoma (9%). The greatest number of CTCs were found in patients with colorectal cancer (Mean: 15.8 per 7.5 ml; Median: 7.5 per 7.5 ml). In comparison, patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) had considerably fewer CTCs (Mean: 4.2 per 7.5 ml; Median: 3 per 7.5 ml). Additionally, we found that patients receiving treatment had significantly fewer CTCs than patients who were not receiving treatment (Median 2.7 versus 0.7). CTC numbers showed noteworthy disparities between patients with responding/stable disease in comparison to those with untreated/progressive disease (Median of 2.7 versus 0). When CTCs were present, biomarker analyses of the four markers human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/Kiel 67 (Ki-67)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was feasible. Single cell sequencing confirmed the tumor of origin. Conclusion Our study is one of the first prospective real-time studies evaluating CTCs in patients with GI malignancies. While ctDNA-based analyses are more common in clinical trials and practice, CTC analysis provides complementary information from a liquid biopsy perspective that is of value and worthy of continued research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walla Malkawi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Areeb Lutfi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maaz Khan Afghan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lamisha Mashiyat Shah
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | - Fatima Toor
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa, IA, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Aliasger K. Salem
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Pashtoon Murtaza Kasi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Nguyen TNA, Huang PS, Chu PY, Hsieh CH, Wu MH. Recent Progress in Enhanced Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Monitoring Using a Combined Analysis of the Number of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Other Clinical Parameters. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5372. [PMID: 38001632 PMCID: PMC10670359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225372] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) holds promise to diagnose cancer or monitor its development. Among the methods, counting CTC numbers in blood samples could be the simplest way to implement it. Nevertheless, its clinical utility has not yet been fully accepted. The reasons could be due to the rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs in blood samples that could lead to misleading results from assays only based on single CTC counts. To address this issue, a feasible direction is to combine the CTC counts with other clinical data for analysis. Recent studies have demonstrated the use of this new strategy for early detection and prognosis evaluation of cancers, or even for the distinguishment of cancers with different stages. Overall, this approach could pave a new path to improve the technical problems in the clinical applications of CTC counting techniques. In this review, the information relevant to CTCs, including their characteristics, clinical use of CTC counting, and technologies for CTC enrichment, were first introduced. This was followed by discussing the challenges and new perspectives of CTC counting techniques for clinical applications. Finally, the advantages and the recent progress in combining CTC counts with other clinical parameters for clinical applications have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Ngoc Anh Nguyen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan; (T.N.A.N.); (P.-S.H.); (P.-Y.C.)
| | - Po-Shuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan; (T.N.A.N.); (P.-S.H.); (P.-Y.C.)
| | - Po-Yu Chu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan; (T.N.A.N.); (P.-S.H.); (P.-Y.C.)
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei City Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsien Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan; (T.N.A.N.); (P.-S.H.); (P.-Y.C.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei City Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
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Jiang H, Zhou S, Li G. Novel biomarkers used for early diagnosis and tyrosine kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1189799. [PMID: 37719843 PMCID: PMC10502318 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most lethal type of cancer worldwide, presenting major health risks as well as economic costs to both people and society. CRC survival chances are significantly higher if the cancer is diagnosed and treated early. With the development of molecular biology, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to identify novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CRC. Pathological disorders can be diagnosed at a lower cost with the help of biomarkers, which can be detected in stool, blood, and tissue samples. Several lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota could be used as a biomarker for CRC screening and treatment. CRC treatment choices include surgical resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and combination therapies. Targeted therapies are a relatively new and promising modality of treatment that has been shown to increase patients' overall survival (OS) rates and can inhibit cancer cell development. Several small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being investigated as potential treatments due to our increasing awareness of CRC's molecular causes and oncogenic signaling. These compounds may inhibit critical enzymes in controlling signaling pathways, which are crucial for CRC cells' development, differentiation, proliferation, and survival. On the other hand, only one of the approximately 42 TKIs that demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical studies has been licensed for clinical usage in CRC. A significant knowledge gap exists when bringing these tailored medicines into the clinic. As a result, the emphasis of this review is placed on recently discovered biomarkers for early diagnosis as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors as possible therapy options for CRC.
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Maqbool M, Khan A, Shahzad A, Sarfraz Z, Sarfraz A, Aftab H, Jaan A. Predictive biomarkers for colorectal cancer: a state-of-the-art systematic review. Biomarkers 2023; 28:562-598. [PMID: 37585692 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2023.2247185] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a substantial health burden, with early detection paramount for improved prognosis. This study aims to evaluate potential CRC biomarkers and detection techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review, reported in adherence to PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines, collates the latest research on potential biomarkers and detection/prognosis methods for CRC, spanning the last decade. RESULTS Out of the 38 included studies, diverse biomarkers and detection methods emerged, with DNA methylation markers like SFRP2 and SDC2, microRNAs including miR-1290, miR-506, and miR-4316, and serum and plasma markers such as NTS levels and U2 snRNA fragments standing out. Methylated cfDNA and m5C methylation alteration in immune cells of the blood, along with circular RNA, showed promise as diagnostic markers. Meanwhile, techniques involving extracellular vesicles and lateral flow immunoassays exhibited potential for swift and effective CRC screening. DISCUSSION Our state-of-the-art review identifies potential biomarkers, including SFRP2, SDC2, miR-1290, miR-506, miR-4316, and U2 snRNA fragments, with significant potential in enhancing CRC detection. However, comprehensive validation studies and a rigorous evaluation of clinical utility and cost-effectiveness remain necessary before integration into routine clinical practice. CONCLUSION The findings emphasize the need for continued research into biomarkers and detection methods to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeez Maqbool
- Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Aden Khan
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Hinna Aftab
- CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Jaan
- Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
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Patras L, Shaashua L, Matei I, Lyden D. Immune determinants of the pre-metastatic niche. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:546-572. [PMID: 36917952 PMCID: PMC10170403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Primary tumors actively and specifically prime pre-metastatic niches (PMNs), the future sites of organotropic metastasis, preparing these distant microenvironments for disseminated tumor cell arrival. While initial studies of the PMN focused on extracellular matrix alterations and stromal reprogramming, it is increasingly clear that the far-reaching effects of tumors are in great part achieved through systemic and local PMN immunosuppression. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment and provide a comprehensive overview of the immune determinants of the PMN's spatiotemporal evolution. Moreover, we depict the PMN immune landscape, based on functional pre-clinical studies as well as mounting clinical evidence, and the dynamic, reciprocal crosstalk with systemic changes imposed by cancer progression. Finally, we outline emerging therapeutic approaches that alter the dynamics of the interactions driving PMN formation and reverse immunosuppression programs in the PMN ensuring early anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patras
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lee Shaashua
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Calero-Castro FJ, Pereira S, Laga I, Villanueva P, Suárez-Artacho G, Cepeda-Franco C, de la Cruz-Ojeda P, Navarro-Villarán E, Dios-Barbeito S, Serrano MJ, Fresno C, Padillo-Ruiz J. Quantification and Characterization of CTCs and Clusters in Pancreatic Cancer by Means of the Hough Transform Algorithm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054278. [PMID: 36901704 PMCID: PMC10002258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054278] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are considered a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. In this study we present a new approach for counting CTCs and CTC clusters in patients with pancreatic cancer using the IsofluxTM System with the Hough transform algorithm (Hough-IsofluxTM). The Hough-IsofluxTM approach is based on the counting of an array of pixels with a nucleus and cytokeratin expression excluding the CD45 signal. Total CTCs including free and CTC clusters were evaluated in healthy donor samples mixed with pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and in samples from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The IsofluxTM System with manual counting was used in a blinded manner by three technicians who used Manual-IsofluxTM as a reference. The accuracy of the Hough-IsofluxTM approach for detecting PCC based on counted events was 91.00% [84.50, 93.50] with a PCC recovery rate of 80.75 ± 16.41%. A high correlation between the Hough-IsofluxTM and Manual-IsofluxTM was observed for both free CTCs and for clusters in experimental PCC (R2 = 0.993 and R2 = 0.902 respectively). However, the correlation rate was better for free CTCs than for clusters in PDAC patient samples (R2 = 0.974 and R2 = 0.790 respectively). In conclusion, the Hough-IsofluxTM approach showed high accuracy for the detection of circulating pancreatic cancer cells. A better correlation rate was observed between Hough-IsofluxTM approach and with the Manual-IsofluxTM for isolated CTCs than for clusters in PDAC patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Calero-Castro
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Sheila Pereira
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Imán Laga
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Paula Villanueva
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Suárez-Artacho
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Cepeda-Franco
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Patricia de la Cruz-Ojeda
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Villarán
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Sandra Dios-Barbeito
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | | | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Health and Sciences Research Center, Health and Sciences Faculty, Anahuac University, Huixquilucan 52760, Mexico
- Correspondence: (C.F.); (J.P.-R.)
| | - Javier Padillo-Ruiz
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital University Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville/IBiS, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Oncology Surgery, Cell Therapy, and Organ Transplantation Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.F.); (J.P.-R.)
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Assessment of a Size-Based Method for Enriching Circulating Tumour Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143446. [PMID: 35884509 PMCID: PMC9319975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTC) from solid tumours are a prerequisite for metastasis. Isolating CTCs and understanding their biology is essential for developing new clinical tests and precision oncology. Currently, CellSearch is the only FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)-approved method for CTC enrichment but possesses several drawbacks owing to a reliance on the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and a resource-intensive nature. Addressing these shortcomings, we optimised an existing size-based method, MetaCell, to enrich CTCs from blood of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We evaluated the ability of MetaCell to enrich CTCs by spiking blood with CRC cell lines and assessing the cell recovery rates and WBC depletion via immunostaining and gene expression. We then applied MetaCell to samples from 17 CRC patients and seven controls. Recovery rates were >85% in cell lines, with >95% depletion in WBCs. MetaCell yielded CTCs and CTC clusters in 52.9% and 23.5% of the patients, respectively, without false positives in control patients. CTCs and cluster detection did not correlate with histopathological parameters. Overall, we demonstrated that the MetaCell platform enriched CRC cells with high recovery rates and high purity. Our pilot study also demonstrated the ability of MetaCell to detect CTCs in CRC patients.
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Born J, Hendricks A, Hauser C, Egberts JH, Becker T, Röder C, Sebens S. Detection of Marker Associated with CTC in Colorectal Cancer in Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Benign Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010047. [PMID: 35008210 PMCID: PMC8750406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in western countries, and non-invasive methods for early detection are still needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood of CRC patients have been proven as prognostic and predictive biomarker; however, the suitability of CTC-associated markers for early CRC detection and discrimination from benign diseases has not been analyzed. Thus, this study investigated whether CTC-associated markers can also be detected in the blood of patients with benign inflammatory intestinal disease (IID) or whether they are specific for malignancy. The detection rate of CK20 and DEFA5 clearly differed in diseased patients and healthy controls, while LAD1 and PLS3 was found in all samples but with clear qualitative differences in gene expression. No association between inflammation severity and CTC marker expression was found in IID patients. Finally, PLS3 was identified to be a suitable marker for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant intestinal diseases or healthy controls. Abstract Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) belongs to the most common tumor entities in western countries. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood of CRC patients are a powerful prognostic and predictive biomarker. However, whether CTC-associated markers can also be used for early CRC detection and discrimination from benign diseases is not known. This study investigated the presence of CTC-associated markers CK20, PLS3, LAD1, and DEFA5 in blood of patients with benign inflammatory intestinal disease (IID) and their correlation with malignancy. The detection rate of CK20 and DEFA5 significantly differed between diseased patients and healthy controls. LAD1 and PLS3 were detected in all samples with clear differences in gene expression. DEFA5 expression was higher in CRC and IID patients compared to healthy donors, while CK20 and PLS3 were lower in CRC compared to IID patients or healthy controls. Overall, all CTC-associated markers were detectable in blood of IID patients, but not correlating with inflammation severity. Finally, PLS3 emerged as a suitable marker for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant intestinal diseases or healthy controls, however its suitability for early CRC detection needs to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Born
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30 Entrance 1, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Alexander Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (A.H.); (C.H.); (J.-H.E.); (T.B.)
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (A.H.); (C.H.); (J.-H.E.); (T.B.)
| | - Jan-Hendrik Egberts
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (A.H.); (C.H.); (J.-H.E.); (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Becker
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (A.H.); (C.H.); (J.-H.E.); (T.B.)
| | - Christian Röder
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30 Entrance 1, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30 Entrance 1, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.B.); (C.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-431-500-30501
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9
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Ruiz-Rodríguez AJ, Molina-Vallejo MP, Aznar-Peralta I, González Puga C, Cañas García I, González E, Lorente JA, Serrano MJ, Garrido-Navas MC. Deep Phenotypic Characterisation of CTCs by Combination of Microfluidic Isolation (IsoFlux) and Imaging Flow Cytometry (ImageStream). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246386. [PMID: 34945008 PMCID: PMC8699219 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cells that escape the primary tumour and have the potential ability to colonise distant organs through metastasis are called circulating tumour cells (CTCs). The study of CTCs in colorectal cancer (CRC) has demonstrated their prognostic utility, although current methodologies only allow the evaluation of CTC numbers and a maximum of two markers. Here, we developed a novel protocol for the isolation and characterisation of CTCs by combining two existing technologies. This new methodology allows the simultaneous evaluation of multiple markers and parameters. In particular, we evaluated the expression of a mutant protein (BRAFV600E) associated with poor response to therapies against EGFR and the expression of PD-L1, a marker for immunotherapy. Based on these markers, we evaluated the CTCs (positive for cytokeratin) of 16 early CRC patients and demonstrated the suitability of our protocol to classify patients into potential responders and non-responders. Abstract The isolation of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) mostly relies on the expression of epithelial markers such as EpCAM, and phenotypic characterisation is usually performed under fluorescence microscopy with only one or two additional markers. This limits the ability to detect different CTC subpopulations based on multiple markers. The aim of this work was to develop a novel protocol combining two platforms (IsoFluxTM and ImageStream®X) to improve CTC evaluation. Cancer cell lines and peripheral blood from healthy donors were used to evaluate the efficiency of each platform independently and in combination. Peripheral blood was extracted from 16 early CRC patients (before loco-regional surgery) to demonstrate the suitability of the protocol for CTC assessment. Additionally, peripheral blood was extracted from nine patients one month after surgery to validate the utility of our protocol for identifying CTC subpopulation changes over time. Results: Our protocol had a mean recovery efficiency of 69.5% and a limit of detection of at least four cells per millilitre. We developed an analysis method to reduce noise from magnetic beads used for CTC isolation. CTCs were isolated from CRC patients with a median of 37 CTCs (IQ 13.0–85.5) at baseline. CTCs from CRC patients were significantly (p < 0.0001) larger than cytokeratin (CK)-negative cells, and patients were stratified into two groups based on BRAFV600E and PD-L1 expression on CK-positive cells. The changes observed over time included not only the number of CTCs but also their distribution into four different subpopulations defined according to BRAFV600E and PD-L1 positivity. We developed a novel protocol for semi-automatic CTC isolation and phenotypic characterisation by combining two platforms. Assessment of CTCs from early CRC patients using our protocol allowed the identification of two clusters of patients with changing phenotypes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Clinical Management Unit of Digestive Disease, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
| | - Maria P. Molina-Vallejo
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
| | - Inés Aznar-Peralta
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
- Legal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina González Puga
- Clinical Management Unit of Surgery, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.G.P.); (I.C.G.)
| | - Inés Cañas García
- Clinical Management Unit of Surgery, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.G.P.); (I.C.G.)
| | - Encarna González
- Clinical Management Unit of Oncology, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain;
| | - Jose A. Lorente
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
- Legal Medicine Department, Medicine School, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - M. Jose Serrano
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
- Medical Oncology Department, Bio-Health Research Institute (IBS, Granada), University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.); (M.C.G.-N.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (ext. 123) (M.J.S.); +34-958715500 (ext. 208) (M.C.G.-N.)
| | - M. Carmen Garrido-Navas
- GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer, University of Granada, Andalusian Regional Government, Liquid Biopsy and Cancer Interception Group, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.P.M.-V.); (I.A.-P.); (J.A.L.)
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.); (M.C.G.-N.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (ext. 123) (M.J.S.); +34-958715500 (ext. 208) (M.C.G.-N.)
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Circulating Tumor Cells: Technologies and Their Clinical Potential in Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091111. [PMID: 34572297 PMCID: PMC8467892 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are single cells or clusters of cells within the circulatory system of a cancer patient. While most CTCs will perish, a small proportion will proceed to colonize the metastatic niche. The clinical importance of CTCs was reaffirmed by the 2008 FDA approval of CellSearch®, a platform that could extract EpCAM-positive, CD45-negative cells from whole blood samples. Many further studies have demonstrated the presence of CTCs to stratify patients based on overall and progression-free survival, among other clinical indices. Given their unique role in metastasis, CTCs could also offer a glimpse into the genetic drivers of metastasis. Investigation of CTCs has already led to groundbreaking discoveries such as receptor switching between primary tumors and metastatic nodules in breast cancer, which could greatly affect disease management, as well as CTC-immune cell interactions that enhance colonization. In this review, we will highlight the growing variety of isolation techniques for investigating CTCs. Next, we will provide clinically relevant context for CTCs, discussing key clinical trials involving CTCs. Finally, we will provide insight into the future of CTC studies and some questions that CTCs are primed to answer.
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