Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
07:32
Rapid Isolation of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Patient Blood Samples
Published on: June 15, 2012
27.3K
[Feasibility Study for Storage and Re-Utilization of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)]
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 23, 2016
Summary
Optimizing the fixation and storage of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is crucial for longitudinal monitoring in precision medicine. This study found that 800 rpm centrifugation and 95% ethanol fixation are optimal for CTC preservation and downstream analysis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Context:
- Precision medicine necessitates real-time and longitudinal patient monitoring.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital biomarkers for cancer management.
- Standardized methods for CTC fixation and storage are lacking.
Purpose:
- To determine optimal conditions for the fixation and storage of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for re-utilization.
- To establish a reliable platform for longitudinal CTC evaluation.
- To optimize CTC isolation and preservation for downstream molecular analyses.
Summary:
- Lung cancer cell lines (H1975) were used to simulate CTCs due to their scarcity.
- Cells were processed using an auto-smear device and evaluated under varying centrifugation forces and fixatives.
- Optimal conditions identified: 800 rpm for 1 minute centrifugation and 95% ethanol fixation.
- A minimum of 5 cells/mL is required for subsequent analyses like Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Impact:
- Provides a validated protocol for CTC fixation and storage, enabling longitudinal studies.
- Facilitates the development of a new platform for comprehensive CTC evaluation.
- Enhances the utility of CTCs as biomarkers in precision oncology.
- Supports real-time and time-series analysis of CTCs for improved patient monitoring.
