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Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell CTC Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Circulating tumor cells and epithelial, mesenchymal and stemness markers: characterization of cell subpopulations
Guislaine Barriere1, Pietro Fici1, Giulia Gallerani1
1Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, FC, Italy.
Abstract:
Until now detection and numeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were essentially used as a prognostic factor in cancer progression. To extend the role of these kinds of analysis, it seems necessary to improve analytical methods related to isolation and characterization of CTCs. Discrepancies between published results corroborates this requirement. In this review we suggest a combination of markers able to reach the goal. Moreover to improve the clinical utility of CTC analysis, particularly in the therapeutic follow up of the disease, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) level of a global CTC population should be studied.
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