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Updated: Nov 9, 2025
Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell CTC Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Circulating tumor cell detection methods in renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Tito Palmela Leitão1, Miguel Miranda2, Joana Polido2
1Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Urology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) show promise as a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biomarker, but current detection methods lack standardization. More research is needed to confirm their clinical utility in RCC diagnosis and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Liquid Biopsy
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a potential biomarker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Current evidence is limited, with significant heterogeneity and high risk of bias in existing studies.
- Lack of standardized detection methods hinders the clinical application of CTCs in RCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review CTC enrichment and detection methods in RCC.
- To evaluate the role of CTCs as a biomarker in RCC.
- To identify gaps and future directions for CTC research in RCC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of full-text articles.
- Screening of 54 identified studies.
- Analysis of CTC detection platforms and molecular markers used.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity and low evidence level across reviewed studies.
- No single CTC detection platform or molecular marker demonstrated superiority.
- CTC detection and count show potential correlation with RCC staging and survival, but evidence is inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- CTC research in RCC is in an exploratory phase.
- Standardization of techniques, markers, definitions, and terminology is crucial.
- Further studies are essential to establish CTCs as a reliable biomarker for RCC and guide liquid biopsy research.
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