Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment
Published on: May 14, 2019
Fugitives on the run: circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic diseases
Tania Mamdouhi1, Julianne D Twomey1, K Melodi McSweeney1
1Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
Abstract:
The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream signals the existence of a tumor and denotes risk of metastatic spread. CTCs can be isolated and analyzed to monitor cancer progression and therapeutic response. However, CTC isolation devices have shown considerable variation in detection rates, limiting their use as a routine diagnostic and monitoring tool. In this review, we discuss recent advances in CTC detection methodologies and associated clinical studies. We provide perspective on the future direction of CTC isolation and molecular characterization towards developing reliable biomarkers that monitor disease progression or therapeutic response.
Related Concept Videos
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Coronary Circulation
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Overview of Pulmonary Circulation
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
Overview of Systemic and Pulmonary Circulation
The oxygenated blood is sent...
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...

