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Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment
Published on: May 14, 2019
9.2K
A physical sciences network characterization of circulating tumor cell aggregate transport
Michael R King1, Kevin G Phillips2, Annachiara Mitrugno3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York;
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|March 20, 2015
Summary
This study investigates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer using biophysical methods. Findings reveal how CTCs and their aggregates interact within blood vessels, impacting cancer spread.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Oncology
- Physical Sciences
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are key to cancer metastasis via blood. Understanding their physical behavior is crucial.
- The Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (PS-OC) Network focuses on cancer's fluid phase from a physical science viewpoint.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biophysically characterize single CTCs and CTC aggregates from breast cancer patients.
- To model CTC interactions within the vasculature using in vitro and computational approaches.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of CTCs and aggregates using the high-definition CTC assay.
- Biophysical profiling via quantitative phase microscopy.
- In vitro modeling with breast cancer cell lines and microfluidic devices.
- Numerical modeling of red blood cell and CTC collisions.
Main Results:
- CTCs, from single cells to 2-5 cell aggregates, were profiled.
- Vascular margination dependence on CTC morphology and stiffness was analyzed.
- E-selectin mediated rolling in vitro was modeled.
Conclusions:
- Multifaceted characterization of CTC dynamics in vasculature.
- Framework integrating clinical, biophysical, and mathematical approaches for cancer research.
- Enhanced understanding of the fluid phase of cancer metastasis.
