Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
05:17
Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment
Published on: May 14, 2019
8.7K
Multiparametric Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis to Select Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer Patients
André Franken1, Bianca Behrens2, Florian Reinhardt1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
Cancers
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Multiparametric analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in liquid biopsies identified actionable mutations and guided targeted therapy selection for metastatic breast cancer, leading to significant tumor reduction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Liquid biopsies, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs), offer a promising avenue for non-invasive cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment selection.
- Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) management requires precise therapeutic strategies tailored to individual tumor molecular profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of multiparametric analysis of CTCs for selecting and validating targeted therapies in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
- To investigate the clonal evolution and resistance mechanisms of CTCs over time in response to treatment.
Main Methods:
- Whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA profiling of CTCs from five MBC patients.
- Longitudinal monitoring of one patient over three years using liquid biopsy analyses, including WES, RNA profiling, and in vitro drug sensitivity testing.
- Identification of actionable mutations and driver mutations, such as AKT1 E17K.
Main Results:
- Actionable mutations, some not found in primary tumor biopsies, were identified in all patients.
- Clonal evolution and resistance mechanisms were characterized in the index patient.
- In vitro drug testing confirmed the efficacy of AKT1 pathway inhibitors.
- Targeted therapy including an mTOR inhibitor resulted in a 97.3% drop in CTCs and disease stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Multiparametric CTC analysis is a powerful tool for selecting and validating targeted therapies, optimizing cancer treatment.
- This approach enhances the understanding of CTC biology under various therapeutic regimens.
