Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
09:45
Microfluidics-based High-throughput Circulating Tumor Cell Sorting and Single-cell Sequencing Technology
Published on: November 14, 2025
102
Circulating tumor cell detection and single-cell analysis using an integrated workflow based on ChimeraX® -i120
Peng-Xiang Wang1,2, Yun-Fan Sun1,2, Wei-Xiang Jin3
1Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Molecular Oncology
|December 10, 2020
Summary
A new ChimeraX® -i120 platform enables sensitive detection and molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This technology shows high accuracy in identifying CTCs across multiple cancer types, aiding clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis offers a promising non-invasive approach for cancer management.
- A comprehensive workflow integrating CTC detection and single-cell molecular analysis is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the ChimeraX® -i120 platform for sensitive CTC detection and downstream genomic profiling.
- To assess the clinical feasibility and performance of the ChimeraX® -i120 platform in a cohort of cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Development of the ChimeraX® -i120 platform for CTC negative enrichment, immunofluorescent labeling, and machine learning-based identification.
- Analytical validation of the platform's performance.
- Clinical validation in 477 participants across five cancer types (liver, biliary duct, breast, colorectal, lung).
- Analysis of copy number alteration profiles in isolated single CTCs.
Main Results:
- The ChimeraX® -i120 platform demonstrated high sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility for CTC detection.
- A CTC-positive rate exceeding 60% was observed in five common cancer types, with rare detection in healthy donors.
- CTC status in hepatocellular carcinoma patients correlated significantly with tumor characteristics, prognosis, and treatment response.
- Single-cell sequencing revealed heterogeneous genomic alterations within and across patients and cancer types.
Conclusions:
- The ChimeraX® -i120 platform provides a valid and integrated workflow for CTC detection and genomic profiling in clinical settings.
- This technology has the potential to significantly advance non-invasive cancer management and personalized treatment strategies.
