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Published on: July 7, 2023
Tumor dissemination: an EMT affair
Jean Paul Thiery1, Chwee Teck Lim
1Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599. jpthiery@imcb.a-star.edu.sg
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer show mixed epithelial and mesenchymal traits, with more mesenchymal cells found in patients resistant to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Phenotyping
Background:
- Metastatic breast cancer is characterized by circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- CTCs can exhibit diverse cellular phenotypes, including epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics.
Discussion:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer patients display heterogeneous epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes.
- Mesenchymal-like CTCs are more prevalent in patients with primary tumors compared to those within the tumors themselves.
- Elevated levels of mesenchymal-like CTCs correlate with therapeutic refractoriness in patients.
Key Insights:
- CTCs in metastatic breast cancer are phenotypically diverse.
- Mesenchymal phenotype in CTCs is associated with treatment resistance.
- Understanding CTC heterogeneity is crucial for breast cancer management.
Outlook:
- Further research into the functional significance of CTC phenotypes.
- Developing targeted therapies based on CTC characteristics.
- Improving early detection and monitoring of metastatic breast cancer.
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