Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
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Generation of Prostate Cancer Patient Derived Xenograft Models from Circulating Tumor Cells
Published on: October 20, 2015
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Structure and function analysis in circulating tumor cells: using nanotechnology to study nuclear size in prostate
Nu Yao1, Yu-Jen Jan1, Shirley Cheng1
1Urologic Oncology Program & Uro-Oncology Laboratories, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer InstituteLos Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology
|April 19, 2018
Summary
Nuclear morphometry in prostate cancer identified very small nuclear circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These findings link specific CTC nuclear shapes to aggressive disease and visceral metastases, paving the way for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nuclear morphometry established the link between nuclear shape and cellular function in prostate cancer.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from tumors and are heterogeneous, with some possessing invasive potential.
- Liquid biopsy offers minimally invasive, repetitive, and systemic sampling, overcoming limitations of traditional tissue biopsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphologic heterogeneity of CTCs using advanced nanotechnology.
- To identify specific CTC subpopulations and their correlation with clinical outcomes in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel liquid biopsy approach, the NanoVelcro assay.
- Application of nuclear morphometry techniques to analyze CTCs in patient blood samples.
- Identification and characterization of very small nuclear CTCs (vsnCTCs).
Main Results:
- The NanoVelcro assay enabled the identification of morphologic heterogeneity within the CTC compartment.
- Very small nuclear CTCs (vsnCTCs) were identified in prostate cancer patients.
- vsnCTCs showed a strong correlation with unfavorable clinical behaviors, including visceral metastases.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear morphometry of CTCs via liquid biopsy provides new insights into cancer behavior.
- The identification of vsnCTCs offers a potential biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer.
- These advancements support the development of personalized treatments and precision medicine in oncology.
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