Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule: An Anchor to Isolate Clinically Relevant Circulating Tumor Cells

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a primary membrane marker for isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
• EpCAM-based technologies show promise in clinical settings but have limitations.
• The precise biology and role of EpCAM in metastasis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and disadvantages of EpCAM for CTC enrichment.
• To explore the potential biological role of EpCAM in the metastatic cascade.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of EpCAM-based circulating tumor cell enrichment technologies.
• Analysis of EpCAM expression in the context of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Main Results:

• EpCAM expression is crucial for metastasis-competent CTCs.
• EpCAM may not be entirely lost during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
• Current EpCAM-based CTC detection methods have limitations impacting clinical utility.

Conclusions:

• EpCAM remains a significant marker for CTC enrichment despite existing challenges.
• Further research into EpCAM biology is needed to enhance its clinical application.
• Understanding EpCAM's role in metastasis can improve cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.