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Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment
Published on: May 14, 2019
Evaluation and consequences of heterogeneity in the circulating tumor cell compartment
Anja Brouwer1,2, Bram De Laere1, Dieter Peeters1,3
1Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract:
A growing understanding of the molecular biology of cancer and the identification of specific aberrations driving cancer evolution have led to the development of various targeted agents. Therapeutic decisions concerning these drugs are often guided by single biopsies of the primary tumor. Yet, it is well known that tumors can exhibit significant heterogeneity and change over time as a result of selective pressure. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from various tumor sites and are thought to represent the molecular landscape of a patient's overall tumor burden. Moreover, a minimal-invasive liquid biopsy facilitates monitoring of clonal evolution during therapy pressure and disease progression in real-time. While more information becomes available regarding heterogeneity among CTCs, comparison between these studies is needed. In this review, we focus on the genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity found in the CTC compartment, and its significance for clinical decision making.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapies rely on tumor biopsies, but tumors evolve. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer a liquid biopsy to track this evolution and guide treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer treatment decisions often rely on single primary tumor biopsies.
- Tumors exhibit heterogeneity and evolve under therapeutic pressure.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may reflect the overall tumor molecular landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity in circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- To discuss the clinical significance of CTC heterogeneity for treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies analyzing CTCs.
- Analysis of genomic and transcriptional data from CTCs.
- Evaluation of the impact of CTC heterogeneity on clinical decision-making.
Main Results:
- Tumors display significant heterogeneity and change over time.
- CTCs, obtained via liquid biopsy, can represent overall tumor burden.
- Monitoring CTCs allows real-time assessment of clonal evolution during therapy.
Conclusions:
- Understanding CTC heterogeneity is crucial for personalized cancer therapy.
- Liquid biopsies using CTCs can guide adaptive treatment strategies.
- Further comparative studies are needed to fully leverage CTC heterogeneity in clinical practice.
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