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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

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Epigenetic regulation of circulating tumor cells in precision oncology

Husni Farah1, Munthar Kadhim Abosaoda2, Hayjaa Mohaisen Mousa3

  • 1Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.

Pathology, Research and Practice
|November 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic changes in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) drive cancer metastasis. Understanding CTC epigenetics offers new biomarkers for early cancer detection and targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Cancer metastasis is a leading cause of cancer mortality.
  • Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are key players in the metastatic process.
  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and noncoding RNAs, are crucial in cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of circulating tumor cell (CTC) biology and the role of epigenetics in metastasis.
  • To discuss how epigenetic reprogramming influences CTCs during migration, circulation, and metastatic seeding.
  • To explore the clinical implications of CTC epigenetics for cancer management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CTC biology and epigenetics.
  • Discussion of mechanisms like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune evasion in CTCs.
  • Analysis of post-transcriptional epigenetic modifications via noncoding RNAs in CTCs.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic reprogramming occurs in CTCs, affecting their metastatic capabilities.
  • Epigenetic changes in CTCs are critical for their survival, migration, and colonization of secondary sites.
  • The study highlights the dynamic nature of CTC epigenetics throughout the metastatic cascade.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic modifications in CTCs are integral to cancer metastasis.
  • CTC epigenetic profiles hold promise as biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies.
  • Targeting CTC epigenetics may offer novel therapeutic avenues to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
BiomarkerCancer dormancyEpigenetic modificationImmunotherapyMetastasis

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