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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Stable Wet-Fixed S-MPF Preparation for Enhanced Circulating Tumor-associated Cell (C-TAC) Analysis
Shigenobu Tatsumi1, Takeshi Nishikawa2, Cristiane Lumi Hirata2
1Department of Hospital-Based Pathology, Nara Medical University Hospital, Kashihara, Japan.
Anticancer Research
|July 29, 2026
Summary
A new three-way stopcock method improves Soft Micro Pore Filter (S-MPF) cytopreparation for circulating tumor-associated cells (C-TACs). This enhances diagnostic accuracy by reducing processing time and improving cell recovery and cluster preservation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- High-quality cytopreparation is crucial for analyzing circulating tumor-associated cells (C-TACs).
- The Soft Micro Pore Filter (S-MPF) method faces challenges like air bubbles and uneven cell distribution.
- Standardized protocols are needed for reliable C-TAC morphological analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stable and reproducible cytopreparation protocol for C-TACs.
- To precisely control airflow and fluid dynamics using a three-way stopcock.
- To overcome limitations of existing S-MPF methods.
Main Methods:
- A modified preprocessing workflow integrating a three-way stopcock was developed.
- The protocol was evaluated for processing time and leukocyte residual rate.
- Cell recovery, transfer rates, and preservation of 3D C-TAC clusters were assessed using spiked cells and clinical samples.
Main Results:
- Filtration time was significantly reduced (2.91 to 0.39 min).
- Leukocyte residual rate decreased from 7.3% to <0.1%.
- Cell transfer rate was stable at 98.7%, preserving large 3D C-TAC clusters.
Conclusions:
- The three-way stopcock integration offers a robust and standardized S-MPF cytopreparation workflow.
- This protocol enhances the reliability of C-TAC morphological diagnostics.
- The improved method supports routine clinical practice for cancer cell analysis.
