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Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Circulating Tumor Cell Lines: an Innovative Tool for Fundamental and Translational Research
Published on: December 25, 2021
An innovative approach to detect circulating tumor cells
Valeri Roschenko1, David Schorr1, Matthias Wojcik1
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, University of Marburg, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, Marburg 35037, Germany.
Abstract:
In cancer research, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were identified as the main drivers of metastasis. They are vital for early detection and prevention of metastasis during cancer treatment. Even though continuous progress in research offers more and more tools to combat cancer, we still lack a proper arsenal of therapeutics. Especially in tumors with close to no targeting options, like triple-negative breast cancer, early detection is often the main difference between successful and failed therapy. When such tumors are detected too late, they may have already produced plenty of CTCs, likely causing metastasis, which is the primary reason for tumor-associated deaths. Detecting those CTCs early on could substantially impact therapy outcomes and the 5-year survival rate. In our study, we developed and evaluated a reliable and affordable CTC screening method based on flow cytometry and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) staining. We successfully established a circulation model for 5-ALA and CTCs research and demonstrated that the method can detect an average of 11 ± 3.3 CTCs out of 10,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells, representing as low as approximately 0.1 % with a reasonable number of false positive events. Additionally, we present initial results on a theranostic approach using 5-ALA converted to protoporphyrin IX. The outcomes of this study might contribute significantly to the further development of CTC detection and the overall detection and treatment of cancer.
Insights
We developed a new method using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) staining and flow cytometry to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This affordable screening method aids in early cancer detection, potentially improving patient survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are key drivers of cancer metastasis.
- Early detection of CTCs is crucial for effective cancer treatment, especially for hard-to-target cancers like triple-negative breast cancer.
- Current therapeutic options are limited, making early detection a critical factor in patient outcomes and survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a reliable and affordable method for screening circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- To establish a circulation model for research involving 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and CTCs.
- To explore a theranostic approach for cancer treatment using 5-ALA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry for CTC detection.
- Employed 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) staining to identify CTCs.
- Established a circulation model to simulate CTC presence in blood.
Main Results:
- The developed method can detect an average of 11 ± 3.3 CTCs per 10,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (approximately 0.1%).
- The screening method demonstrated a reasonable number of false positive events.
- Initial results show potential for a theranostic approach using 5-ALA and its conversion to protoporphyrin IX.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a promising, affordable CTC screening method based on 5-ALA and flow cytometry.
- This method could significantly contribute to early cancer detection and improve patient survival rates.
- Further development of this approach may enhance the overall detection and treatment of various cancers.
