Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease

Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease

Author: Roberto Piñeiro

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2021-05-02

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 9783030358075

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This book is aimed to summarise the key aspects of the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in breast cancer, with special attention to their contribution to tumour progression and establishment of metastatic disease. We aim to give a clear overview of the knowledge about CTCs, framed in the context of breast cancer, by analysing basic and clinical research carried out so far. In a broader sense, we will address what are the main clinical needs of this disease based on its molecular heterogeneity (subtypes) and lay out the knowledge and understanding that CTCs are giving about it and how they are contributing and can still improve the better monitoring and management of breast cancer patients. We will discuss the evidences of the use of CTCs as a tool to monitor cancer progression and therapy response, based on the prognostic and predictive value they have, as well as a tool to unravel mechanisms of resistance to therapy and to identify new biomarkers allowing to predict therapy success. Moreover, we will analyse the main aspects of ongoing clinical trials and how they can contribute to determine the clinical utility of CTCs as a breast cancer biomarker. We will also touch upon general knowledge or basic notions of the biology of the metastatic process in epithelial cancers, in order to understand the origin and biology of CTCs. In this sense, we will pay special attention to EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), dormancy and minimal residual disease, three key aspects that determine the outcome of the disease. We will also cover general aspects on the isolation and characterization techniques applies to the study of CTCs, and also the possibilities that the study of CTCs, as a biomarker with biological function, is opening in terms of understanding the biology of metastatic cells and the identification of therapeutic targets based on the functional and molecular characterization of CTCs. Lastly, we will try to foresee the future of CTCs in terms of clinical application and implementation in the clinical routine.


Book Synopsis Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease by : Roberto Piñeiro

Download or read book Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease written by Roberto Piñeiro and published by Springer. This book was released on 2021-05-02 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is aimed to summarise the key aspects of the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in breast cancer, with special attention to their contribution to tumour progression and establishment of metastatic disease. We aim to give a clear overview of the knowledge about CTCs, framed in the context of breast cancer, by analysing basic and clinical research carried out so far. In a broader sense, we will address what are the main clinical needs of this disease based on its molecular heterogeneity (subtypes) and lay out the knowledge and understanding that CTCs are giving about it and how they are contributing and can still improve the better monitoring and management of breast cancer patients. We will discuss the evidences of the use of CTCs as a tool to monitor cancer progression and therapy response, based on the prognostic and predictive value they have, as well as a tool to unravel mechanisms of resistance to therapy and to identify new biomarkers allowing to predict therapy success. Moreover, we will analyse the main aspects of ongoing clinical trials and how they can contribute to determine the clinical utility of CTCs as a breast cancer biomarker. We will also touch upon general knowledge or basic notions of the biology of the metastatic process in epithelial cancers, in order to understand the origin and biology of CTCs. In this sense, we will pay special attention to EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), dormancy and minimal residual disease, three key aspects that determine the outcome of the disease. We will also cover general aspects on the isolation and characterization techniques applies to the study of CTCs, and also the possibilities that the study of CTCs, as a biomarker with biological function, is opening in terms of understanding the biology of metastatic cells and the identification of therapeutic targets based on the functional and molecular characterization of CTCs. Lastly, we will try to foresee the future of CTCs in terms of clinical application and implementation in the clinical routine.

Circulating Tumor Cells

Circulating Tumor Cells

Author: Z. Hugh Fan

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2016-03-29

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1119244536

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Introduces the reader to Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), their isolation method and analysis, and commercially available platforms Presents the historical perspective and the overview of the field of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) Discusses the state-of-art methods for CTC isolation, ranging from the macro- to micro-scale, from positive concentration to negative depletion, and from biological-property-enabled to physical-property-based approaches Details commercially available CTC platforms Describes post-isolation analysis and clinical translation Provides a glossary of scientific terms related to CTCs


Book Synopsis Circulating Tumor Cells by : Z. Hugh Fan

Download or read book Circulating Tumor Cells written by Z. Hugh Fan and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-03-29 with total page 464 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduces the reader to Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), their isolation method and analysis, and commercially available platforms Presents the historical perspective and the overview of the field of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) Discusses the state-of-art methods for CTC isolation, ranging from the macro- to micro-scale, from positive concentration to negative depletion, and from biological-property-enabled to physical-property-based approaches Details commercially available CTC platforms Describes post-isolation analysis and clinical translation Provides a glossary of scientific terms related to CTCs

Circulating Tumor Cells

Circulating Tumor Cells

Author: Richard J. Cote

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-02-03

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 1493933639

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This volume provides the latest research on circulating tumor cells aimed for cancer researchers, scientists, and molecular oncologists. It presents the basic concepts behind circulating tumor cells (CTCs), metastatic biology, and potential applications as to how CTCs can be used in diagnostic biomarkers. CTCs are cells that have detached from the primary tumor and circulate in the bloodstream. Such cells may become "seeds" for the growth of additional tumors. The field of analysis surrounding cancer metastasis has been steadily growing, and CTCs provide effective biomarkers that can be examined in peripheral blood through a minimally invasive “liquid biopsy” procedure. CTCs offer several exciting applications, not only as markers of disease progression but also as biomarkers of monitoring response to therapy and companion diagnostics for novel anticancer drug development. In recent years there has been rapid growth and worldwide developments on CTCs, which span both the basic sciences and biomedical engineering fields.


Book Synopsis Circulating Tumor Cells by : Richard J. Cote

Download or read book Circulating Tumor Cells written by Richard J. Cote and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-02-03 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume provides the latest research on circulating tumor cells aimed for cancer researchers, scientists, and molecular oncologists. It presents the basic concepts behind circulating tumor cells (CTCs), metastatic biology, and potential applications as to how CTCs can be used in diagnostic biomarkers. CTCs are cells that have detached from the primary tumor and circulate in the bloodstream. Such cells may become "seeds" for the growth of additional tumors. The field of analysis surrounding cancer metastasis has been steadily growing, and CTCs provide effective biomarkers that can be examined in peripheral blood through a minimally invasive “liquid biopsy” procedure. CTCs offer several exciting applications, not only as markers of disease progression but also as biomarkers of monitoring response to therapy and companion diagnostics for novel anticancer drug development. In recent years there has been rapid growth and worldwide developments on CTCs, which span both the basic sciences and biomedical engineering fields.

Circulating Tumor Cells

Circulating Tumor Cells

Author: Catherine Alix-Panabieres

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2020-04-03

Total Pages: 366

ISBN-13: 3039286986

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The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a real-time liquid biopsy approach can be used to obtain new insights into metastasis biology, and as companion diagnostics to improve the stratification of therapies and to obtain insights into the therapy-induced selection of cancer cells. In this book, we will cover all the different facets of CTCs to assemble a huge corpus of knowledge on cancer dissemination: technologies for their enrichment, detection, and characterization; their analysis at the single-cell level; their journey as CTC microemboli; their clinical relevance; their biology with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT); their stem-cell properties; their potential to initiate metastasis at distant sites; their ex vivo expansion; and their escape from the immune system.


Book Synopsis Circulating Tumor Cells by : Catherine Alix-Panabieres

Download or read book Circulating Tumor Cells written by Catherine Alix-Panabieres and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2020-04-03 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a real-time liquid biopsy approach can be used to obtain new insights into metastasis biology, and as companion diagnostics to improve the stratification of therapies and to obtain insights into the therapy-induced selection of cancer cells. In this book, we will cover all the different facets of CTCs to assemble a huge corpus of knowledge on cancer dissemination: technologies for their enrichment, detection, and characterization; their analysis at the single-cell level; their journey as CTC microemboli; their clinical relevance; their biology with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT); their stem-cell properties; their potential to initiate metastasis at distant sites; their ex vivo expansion; and their escape from the immune system.

Atlas of Liquid Biopsy

Atlas of Liquid Biopsy

Author: Ludmilla Thomé Domingos Chinen

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-05-31

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 3030698793

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This book provides a wealth of images and extensive information on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and other cells usually observed in blood from patients with cancer, such as giant macrophages, and circulating tumor microemboli (CTM). The field of “liquid biopsy” began with the analysis of CTCs in the early 2000s. In the beginning, molecular techniques were developed to detect these cells in the blood. However, it has since become clear that CTCs initially require a cytopathological analysis to be detected without false positive and negative results. After detection, molecular analysis can be subsequently performed. Cancer is an important cause of mortality, especially when detected in late stages. Even with all the advances that have been made in its treatment, cancer is still challenging, as many patients do not respond to any therapy. Many health agencies have considered early diagnosis as a feasible tool. In this context, it is of the utmost importance to know the morphology and characteristics of CTCs to determine a correct diagnosis. Currently much of the scientific community is committed to expanding our knowledge of CTCs, and this work makes a valuable contribution, presenting hundreds of cell images from patients with various types of cancer, in many different stages of disease, and after receiving various treatments. The Atlas of Liquid Biopsy: Circulating Tumor Cells and Other Rare Cells in Cancer Patients’ Blood is an essential reference guide for all physicians, biologists, biomedics, and professionals working at clinical and research laboratories, hospitals and research centers.


Book Synopsis Atlas of Liquid Biopsy by : Ludmilla Thomé Domingos Chinen

Download or read book Atlas of Liquid Biopsy written by Ludmilla Thomé Domingos Chinen and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-05-31 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a wealth of images and extensive information on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and other cells usually observed in blood from patients with cancer, such as giant macrophages, and circulating tumor microemboli (CTM). The field of “liquid biopsy” began with the analysis of CTCs in the early 2000s. In the beginning, molecular techniques were developed to detect these cells in the blood. However, it has since become clear that CTCs initially require a cytopathological analysis to be detected without false positive and negative results. After detection, molecular analysis can be subsequently performed. Cancer is an important cause of mortality, especially when detected in late stages. Even with all the advances that have been made in its treatment, cancer is still challenging, as many patients do not respond to any therapy. Many health agencies have considered early diagnosis as a feasible tool. In this context, it is of the utmost importance to know the morphology and characteristics of CTCs to determine a correct diagnosis. Currently much of the scientific community is committed to expanding our knowledge of CTCs, and this work makes a valuable contribution, presenting hundreds of cell images from patients with various types of cancer, in many different stages of disease, and after receiving various treatments. The Atlas of Liquid Biopsy: Circulating Tumor Cells and Other Rare Cells in Cancer Patients’ Blood is an essential reference guide for all physicians, biologists, biomedics, and professionals working at clinical and research laboratories, hospitals and research centers.

Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease

Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease

Author: Roberto Piñeiro

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-04-17

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 3030358054

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This book is aimed to summarise the key aspects of the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in breast cancer, with special attention to their contribution to tumour progression and establishment of metastatic disease. We aim to give a clear overview of the knowledge about CTCs, framed in the context of breast cancer, by analysing basic and clinical research carried out so far. In a broader sense, we will address what are the main clinical needs of this disease based on its molecular heterogeneity (subtypes) and lay out the knowledge and understanding that CTCs are giving about it and how they are contributing and can still improve the better monitoring and management of breast cancer patients. We will discuss the evidences of the use of CTCs as a tool to monitor cancer progression and therapy response, based on the prognostic and predictive value they have, as well as a tool to unravel mechanisms of resistance to therapy and to identify new biomarkers allowing to predict therapy success. Moreover, we will analyse the main aspects of ongoing clinical trials and how they can contribute to determine the clinical utility of CTCs as a breast cancer biomarker. We will also touch upon general knowledge or basic notions of the biology of the metastatic process in epithelial cancers, in order to understand the origin and biology of CTCs. In this sense, we will pay special attention to EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), dormancy and minimal residual disease, three key aspects that determine the outcome of the disease. We will also cover general aspects on the isolation and characterization techniques applies to the study of CTCs, and also the possibilities that the study of CTCs, as a biomarker with biological function, is opening in terms of understanding the biology of metastatic cells and the identification of therapeutic targets based on the functional and molecular characterization of CTCs. Lastly, we will try to foresee the future of CTCs in terms of clinical application and implementation in the clinical routine.


Book Synopsis Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease by : Roberto Piñeiro

Download or read book Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Metastatic Disease written by Roberto Piñeiro and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-04-17 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is aimed to summarise the key aspects of the role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in breast cancer, with special attention to their contribution to tumour progression and establishment of metastatic disease. We aim to give a clear overview of the knowledge about CTCs, framed in the context of breast cancer, by analysing basic and clinical research carried out so far. In a broader sense, we will address what are the main clinical needs of this disease based on its molecular heterogeneity (subtypes) and lay out the knowledge and understanding that CTCs are giving about it and how they are contributing and can still improve the better monitoring and management of breast cancer patients. We will discuss the evidences of the use of CTCs as a tool to monitor cancer progression and therapy response, based on the prognostic and predictive value they have, as well as a tool to unravel mechanisms of resistance to therapy and to identify new biomarkers allowing to predict therapy success. Moreover, we will analyse the main aspects of ongoing clinical trials and how they can contribute to determine the clinical utility of CTCs as a breast cancer biomarker. We will also touch upon general knowledge or basic notions of the biology of the metastatic process in epithelial cancers, in order to understand the origin and biology of CTCs. In this sense, we will pay special attention to EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), dormancy and minimal residual disease, three key aspects that determine the outcome of the disease. We will also cover general aspects on the isolation and characterization techniques applies to the study of CTCs, and also the possibilities that the study of CTCs, as a biomarker with biological function, is opening in terms of understanding the biology of metastatic cells and the identification of therapeutic targets based on the functional and molecular characterization of CTCs. Lastly, we will try to foresee the future of CTCs in terms of clinical application and implementation in the clinical routine.

Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Author: Chi Hin Cho

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2020-05-24

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 0128199385

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Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies, Volume Eight, summarizes the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in colorectal cancer, along with the most up-to-date therapeutic strategies available. The book discusses reasons why colorectal tumors become refractory during the progression of the disease, but also explains how drug resistance occurs during chemotherapy. In addition, users will find the current therapeutic strategies used by clinicians in their practice in treating colorectal cancer. The combination of conventional anticancer drugs with chemotherapy-sensitizing agents plays a pivotal role in improving the outcome of colorectal cancer patients, in particular those with drug-resistant cancer cells. From a clinical point-of-view, the content of this book provides clinicians with updated therapeutic strategies for a better choice of drugs for drug-resistant colorectal cancer patients. It will be a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists and several members of biomedical field who are dedicated to better treat patients with colorectal cancer. Presents a systemic summary of molecular mechanisms for a quick and in-depth understanding Updates current trends in the field with pioneering information on drug resistance Encompasses both basic and clinical approaches for a better understanding of unsolved problems from a holistic point-of-view


Book Synopsis Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies by : Chi Hin Cho

Download or read book Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies written by Chi Hin Cho and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-05-24 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies, Volume Eight, summarizes the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in colorectal cancer, along with the most up-to-date therapeutic strategies available. The book discusses reasons why colorectal tumors become refractory during the progression of the disease, but also explains how drug resistance occurs during chemotherapy. In addition, users will find the current therapeutic strategies used by clinicians in their practice in treating colorectal cancer. The combination of conventional anticancer drugs with chemotherapy-sensitizing agents plays a pivotal role in improving the outcome of colorectal cancer patients, in particular those with drug-resistant cancer cells. From a clinical point-of-view, the content of this book provides clinicians with updated therapeutic strategies for a better choice of drugs for drug-resistant colorectal cancer patients. It will be a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists and several members of biomedical field who are dedicated to better treat patients with colorectal cancer. Presents a systemic summary of molecular mechanisms for a quick and in-depth understanding Updates current trends in the field with pioneering information on drug resistance Encompasses both basic and clinical approaches for a better understanding of unsolved problems from a holistic point-of-view

Modern Techniques in Cytopathology

Modern Techniques in Cytopathology

Author: M.M. Bui

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2020-01-13

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 3318065765

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In the era of precision medicine, physicians are increasingly in need of more definitive diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information derived from small biopsy specimens such as cytology samples in order to guide effective patient care. Cytopathology is well poised to meet this challenge. Whilst the traditional cytomorphologic component of cytology practice is still valid, enormous advances have been made in the field of cytopathology thanks to transformative technology and innovative individuals that have augmented the cytologists' ability to meet the demands of modern medicine. The purpose of this book is to describe, illustrate, and review many of the most recent developments regarding modern techniques employed in cytopathology. This latest monograph is intended for all cytologists including cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, cytology lab assistants, trainees, research scientists, and anyone who is interested in the field of cytopathology. We have invited pioneering experts in their respective fields to author these chapters. This book is not only the culmination of their groundbreaking work and effort but also presents a critical review of the current literature. We have attempted to provide readers with an informative and comprehensive aid so that they may better appreciate how emerging technology has been applied to cytology. Each chapter in this book presents a stand-alone contemporary review of emerging topics in cytopathology. We hope that you will find this monograph thought-provoking and a valuable reference for your practice.


Book Synopsis Modern Techniques in Cytopathology by : M.M. Bui

Download or read book Modern Techniques in Cytopathology written by M.M. Bui and published by Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers. This book was released on 2020-01-13 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the era of precision medicine, physicians are increasingly in need of more definitive diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information derived from small biopsy specimens such as cytology samples in order to guide effective patient care. Cytopathology is well poised to meet this challenge. Whilst the traditional cytomorphologic component of cytology practice is still valid, enormous advances have been made in the field of cytopathology thanks to transformative technology and innovative individuals that have augmented the cytologists' ability to meet the demands of modern medicine. The purpose of this book is to describe, illustrate, and review many of the most recent developments regarding modern techniques employed in cytopathology. This latest monograph is intended for all cytologists including cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, cytology lab assistants, trainees, research scientists, and anyone who is interested in the field of cytopathology. We have invited pioneering experts in their respective fields to author these chapters. This book is not only the culmination of their groundbreaking work and effort but also presents a critical review of the current literature. We have attempted to provide readers with an informative and comprehensive aid so that they may better appreciate how emerging technology has been applied to cytology. Each chapter in this book presents a stand-alone contemporary review of emerging topics in cytopathology. We hope that you will find this monograph thought-provoking and a valuable reference for your practice.

Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

Author: Giampietro Gasparini

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-01-17

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 159259915X

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Expert laboratory and clinical researchers from around the world review how to design and evaluate studies of tumor markers and examine their use in breast cancer patients. The authors cover both the major advances in sophisticated molecular methods and the state-of-the-art in conventional prognostic and predictive indicators. Among the topics discussed are the relevance of rigorous study design and guidelines for the validation studies of new biomarkers, gene expression profiling by tissue microarrays, adjuvant systemic therapy, and the use of estrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor receptors as both prognostic and predictive indicators. Highlights include the evaluation of HER2 and EGFR family members, of p53, and of UPA/PAI-1; the detection of rare cells in blood and marrow; and the detection and analysis of soluble, circulating markers.


Book Synopsis Biomarkers in Breast Cancer by : Giampietro Gasparini

Download or read book Biomarkers in Breast Cancer written by Giampietro Gasparini and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-01-17 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Expert laboratory and clinical researchers from around the world review how to design and evaluate studies of tumor markers and examine their use in breast cancer patients. The authors cover both the major advances in sophisticated molecular methods and the state-of-the-art in conventional prognostic and predictive indicators. Among the topics discussed are the relevance of rigorous study design and guidelines for the validation studies of new biomarkers, gene expression profiling by tissue microarrays, adjuvant systemic therapy, and the use of estrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor receptors as both prognostic and predictive indicators. Highlights include the evaluation of HER2 and EGFR family members, of p53, and of UPA/PAI-1; the detection of rare cells in blood and marrow; and the detection and analysis of soluble, circulating markers.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells

Author: Mark Jesus M. Magbanua

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-05-29

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 3319559478

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Numerous studies have shown that elevated levels of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood of cancer patients are associated with poor response to treatment and inferior survival probabilities. Despite this clinical significance, the molecular biology of CTCs remains poorly understood. The paucity in molecular information can be attributed to the tremendous technical challenges involved in isolating these extremely rare cells. Recent technological advancements in rare-cell technology, however, have allowed for the reliable enrichment and isolation of CTCs. Consequently, the use of recently developed molecular approaches —e.g., multiplexed QPCR, microarray, and next generation sequencing analyses— to profile CTCs have provided novel insights into the molecular makeup of these tumor cells. This book discusses approaches for enrichment and isolation of CTCs as well as recent advances in comprehensive molecular profiling of CTCs using cutting-edge omics technology.


Book Synopsis Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells by : Mark Jesus M. Magbanua

Download or read book Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells written by Mark Jesus M. Magbanua and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-05-29 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Numerous studies have shown that elevated levels of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood of cancer patients are associated with poor response to treatment and inferior survival probabilities. Despite this clinical significance, the molecular biology of CTCs remains poorly understood. The paucity in molecular information can be attributed to the tremendous technical challenges involved in isolating these extremely rare cells. Recent technological advancements in rare-cell technology, however, have allowed for the reliable enrichment and isolation of CTCs. Consequently, the use of recently developed molecular approaches —e.g., multiplexed QPCR, microarray, and next generation sequencing analyses— to profile CTCs have provided novel insights into the molecular makeup of these tumor cells. This book discusses approaches for enrichment and isolation of CTCs as well as recent advances in comprehensive molecular profiling of CTCs using cutting-edge omics technology.