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Ho HY, Chung KS(K, Kan CM, Wong SC(C. Liquid Biopsy in the Clinical Management of Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8594. [PMID: 39201281 PMCID: PMC11354853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy, a noninvasive diagnosis that examines circulating tumor components in body fluids, is increasingly used in cancer management. An overview of relevant literature emphasizes the current state of liquid biopsy applications in cancer care. Biomarkers in liquid biopsy, particularly circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor RNAs (ctRNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and other components, offer promising opportunities for early cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, monitoring, and disease assessment. The implementation of liquid biopsy in precision medicine has shown significant potential in various cancer types, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Advances in genomic and molecular technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) have expanded the utility of liquid biopsy, enabling the detection of somatic variants and actionable genomic alterations in tumors. Liquid biopsy has also demonstrated utility in predicting treatment responses, monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), and assessing tumor heterogeneity. Nevertheless, standardizing liquid biopsy techniques, interpreting results, and integrating them into the clinical routine remain as challenges. Despite these challenges, liquid biopsy has significant clinical implications in cancer management, offering a dynamic and noninvasive approach to understanding tumor biology and guiding personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sze-Chuen (Cesar) Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.-Y.H.); (K.-S.C.); (C.-M.K.)
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2
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Shrestha P, Kao S, Cheung VK, Cooper WA, van Zandwijk N, Rasko JEJ, Yeo D. Circulating tumor cells: advancing personalized therapy in small cell lung cancer patients. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38956984 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a dismal 5-year survival of < 7%, despite the addition of immunotherapy to first-line chemotherapy. Specific tumor biomarkers, such as delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) and schlafen11 (SLFN11), may enable the selection of more efficacious, novel immunomodulating targeted treatments like bispecific T-cell engaging monoclonal antibodies (tarlatamab) and chemotherapy with PARP inhibitors. However, obtaining a tissue biopsy sample can be challenging in SCLC. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have the potential to provide molecular insights into a patient's cancer through a "simple" blood test. CTCs have been studied for their prognostic ability in SCLC; however, their value in guiding treatment decisions is yet to be elucidated. This review explores novel and promising targeted therapies in SCLC, summarizes current knowledge of CTCs in SCLC, and discusses how CTCs can be utilized for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwol Shrestha
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, Australia
| | - Steven Kao
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Veronica K Cheung
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Wendy A Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Australia
| | - Nico van Zandwijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, Australia
| | - John E J Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Precision Oncology Program, Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
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3
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Teixeira A, Sousa-Silva M, Chícharo A, Oliveira K, Moura A, Carneiro A, Piairo P, Águas H, Sampaio-Marques B, Castro I, Mariz J, Ludovico P, Abalde-Cela S, Diéguez L. Isolation of acute myeloid leukemia blasts from blood using a microfluidic device. Analyst 2024; 149:2812-2825. [PMID: 38644740 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00158c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults and associated with poor prognosis. Unfortunately, most of the patients that achieve clinical complete remission after the treatment will ultimately relapse due to the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD), that is not measurable using conventional technologies in the clinic. Microfluidics is a potential tool to improve the diagnosis by providing early detection of MRD. Herein, different designs of microfluidic devices were developed to promote lateral and vertical mixing of cells in microchannels to increase the contact area of the cells of interest with the inner surface of the device. Possible interactions between the cells and the surface were studied using fluid simulations. For the isolation of leukemic blasts, a positive selection strategy was used, targeting the cells of interest using a panel of specific biomarkers expressed in immature and aberrant blasts. Finally, once the optimisation was complete, the best conditions were used to process patient samples for downstream analysis and benchmarking, including phenotypic and genetic characterisation. The potential of these microfluidic devices to isolate and detect AML blasts may be exploited for the monitoring of AML patients at different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Teixeira
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Escola de Medicina, Universidade do Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Sousa-Silva
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
- RUBYnanomed LDA, Praça Conde de Agrolongo, 4700-312 Braga, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Chícharo
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Kevin Oliveira
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
| | - André Moura
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Adriana Carneiro
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
- IPO Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulina Piairo
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Hugo Águas
- CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, NOVA University of Lisbon and CEMOP/UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Belém Sampaio-Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Escola de Medicina, Universidade do Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Isabel Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Escola de Medicina, Universidade do Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - José Mariz
- Department of Oncohematology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Ludovico
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Escola de Medicina, Universidade do Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Abalde-Cela
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Lorena Diéguez
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avda. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal.
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Shanehband N, Naghib SM. Recent advances in nano/microfluidics-based cell isolation techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatments. Biochimie 2024; 220:122-143. [PMID: 38176605 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Miniaturization has improved significantly in the recent decade, which has enabled the development of numerous microfluidic systems. Microfluidic technologies have shown great potential for separating desired cells from heterogeneous samples, as they offer benefits such as low sample consumption, easy operation, and high separation accuracy. Microfluidic cell separation approaches can be classified into physical (label-free) and biological (labeled) methods based on their working principles. Each method has remarkable and feasible benefits for the purposes of cancer detection and therapy, as well as the challenges that we have discussed in this article. In this review, we present the recent advances in microfluidic cell sorting techniques that incorporate both physical and biological aspects, with an emphasis on the methods by which the cells are separated. We first introduce and discuss the biological cell sorting techniques, followed by the physical cell sorting techniques. Additionally, we explore the role of microfluidics in drug screening, drug delivery, and lab-on-chip (LOC) therapy. In addition, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of integrated microfluidics for cell sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Shanehband
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Morteza Naghib
- Nanotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Hayashi A, Hemmi R, Saito Y, Utoh R, Taniguchi T, Yamada M. High-Density Microporous Drainage-Integrating Sheath Flow Generator for Streamlining Microfluidic Cell Sorting Systems. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6764-6773. [PMID: 38619911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Tremendous efforts have been made to develop practical and efficient microfluidic cell and particle sorting systems; however, there are technological limitations in terms of system complexity and low operability. Here, we propose a sheath flow generator that can dramatically simplify operational procedures and enhance the usability of microfluidic cell sorters. The device utilizes an embedded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge with interconnected micropores, which is in direct contact with microchannels and seamlessly integrated into the microfluidic platform. The high-density micropores on the sponge surface facilitated fluid drainage, and the drained fluid was used as the sheath flow for downstream cell sorting processes. To fabricate the integrated device, a new process for sponge-embedded substrates was developed through the accumulation, incorporation, and dissolution of PMMA microparticles as sacrificial porogens. The effects of the microchannel geometry and flow velocity on the sheath flow generation were investigated. Furthermore, an asymmetric lattice-shaped microchannel network for cell/particle sorting was connected to the sheath flow generator in series, and the sorting performances of model particles, blood cells, and spiked tumor cells were investigated. The sheath flow generation technique developed in this study is expected to streamline conventional microfluidic cell-sorting systems as it dramatically improves versatility and operability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Hayashi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Runa Hemmi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yuhei Saito
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Rie Utoh
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Taniguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Masumi Yamada
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
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6
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Abusamra SM, Barber R, Sharafeldin M, Edwards CM, Davis JJ. The integrated on-chip isolation and detection of circulating tumour cells. SENSORS & DIAGNOSTICS 2024; 3:562-584. [PMID: 38646187 PMCID: PMC11025039 DOI: 10.1039/d3sd00302g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are cancer cells shed from a primary tumour which intravasate into the blood stream and have the potential to extravasate into distant tissues, seeding metastatic lesions. As such, they can offer important insight into cancer progression with their presence generally associated with a poor prognosis. The detection and enumeration of CTCs is, therefore, critical to guiding clinical decisions during treatment and providing information on disease state. CTC isolation has been investigated using a plethora of methodologies, of which immunomagnetic capture and microfluidic size-based filtration are the most impactful to date. However, the isolation and detection of CTCs from whole blood comes with many technical barriers, such as those presented by the phenotypic heterogeneity of cell surface markers, with morphological similarity to healthy blood cells, and their low relative abundance (∼1 CTC/1 billion blood cells). At present, the majority of reported methods dissociate CTC isolation from detection, a workflow which undoubtedly contributes to loss from an already sparse population. This review focuses on developments wherein isolation and detection have been integrated into a single-step, microfluidic configuration, reducing CTC loss, increasing throughput, and enabling an on-chip CTC analysis with minimal operator intervention. Particular attention is given to immune-affinity, microfluidic CTC isolation, coupled to optical, physical, and electrochemical CTC detection (quantitative or otherwise).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Abusamra
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford Oxford OX3 9DU UK
| | - Robert Barber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3QZ UK
| | | | - Claire M Edwards
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford Oxford OX3 9DU UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Systems, University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Jason J Davis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3QZ UK
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7
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Bao Y, Zhang D, Guo H, Ma W. Beyond blood: Advancing the frontiers of liquid biopsy in oncology and personalized medicine. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1060-1072. [PMID: 38308498 PMCID: PMC11007055 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is emerging as a pivotal tool in precision oncology, offering a noninvasive and comprehensive approach to cancer diagnostics and management. By harnessing biofluids such as blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and pleural effusions, this technique profiles key biomarkers including circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles. This review discusses the extended scope of liquid biopsy, highlighting its indispensable role in enhancing patient outcomes through early detection, continuous monitoring, and tailored therapy. While the advantages are notable, we also address the challenges, emphasizing the necessity for precision, cost-effectiveness, and standardized methodologies in its broader application. The future trajectory of liquid biopsy is set to expand its reach in personalized medicine, fueled by technological advancements and collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bao
- Key Laboratory for Translational MedicineThe First Hospital Affiliated with Huzhou UniversityHuzhouChina
| | - Dejing Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryPuyang Oilfield General HospitalPuyangChina
| | - Huihui Guo
- Key Laboratory for Translational MedicineThe First Hospital Affiliated with Huzhou UniversityHuzhouChina
| | - Wenxue Ma
- Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Sanford Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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8
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Allen TA. The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: Advances, Biology, Technical Challenges, and Clinical Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1377. [PMID: 38611055 PMCID: PMC11010957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with metastasis significantly contributing to its lethality. The metastatic spread of tumor cells, primarily through the bloodstream, underscores the importance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in oncological research. As a critical component of liquid biopsies, CTCs offer a non-invasive and dynamic window into tumor biology, providing invaluable insights into cancer dissemination, disease progression, and response to treatment. This review article delves into the recent advancements in CTC research, highlighting their emerging role as a biomarker in various cancer types. We explore the latest technologies and methods for CTC isolation and detection, alongside novel approaches to characterizing their biology through genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetic profiling. Additionally, we examine the clinical implementation of these findings, assessing how CTCs are transforming the landscape of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and management. By offering a comprehensive overview of current developments and potential future directions, this review underscores the significance of CTCs in enhancing our understanding of cancer and in shaping personalized therapeutic strategies, particularly for patients with metastatic disease.
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Díaz del Arco C, Fernández Aceñero MJ, Ortega Medina L. Liquid biopsy for gastric cancer: Techniques, applications, and future directions. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1680-1705. [PMID: 38617733 PMCID: PMC11008373 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i12.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
After the study of circulating tumor cells in blood through liquid biopsy (LB), this technique has evolved to encompass the analysis of multiple materials originating from the tumor, such as nucleic acids, extracellular vesicles, tumor-educated platelets, and other metabolites. Additionally, research has extended to include the examination of samples other than blood or plasma, such as saliva, gastric juice, urine, or stool. LB techniques are diverse, intricate, and variable. They must be highly sensitive, and pre-analytical, patient, and tumor-related factors significantly influence the detection threshold, diagnostic method selection, and potential results. Consequently, the implementation of LB in clinical practice still faces several challenges. The potential applications of LB range from early cancer detection to guiding targeted therapy or immunotherapy in both early and advanced cancer cases, monitoring treatment response, early identification of relapses, or assessing patient risk. On the other hand, gastric cancer (GC) is a disease often diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite recent advances in molecular understanding, the currently available treatment options have not substantially improved the prognosis for many of these patients. The application of LB in GC could be highly valuable as a non-invasive method for early diagnosis and for enhancing the management and outcomes of these patients. In this comprehensive review, from a pathologist's perspective, we provide an overview of the main options available in LB, delve into the fundamental principles of the most studied techniques, explore the potential utility of LB application in the context of GC, and address the obstacles that need to be overcome in the future to make this innovative technique a game-changer in cancer diagnosis and treatment within clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Díaz del Arco
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - M Jesús Fernández Aceñero
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis Ortega Medina
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid 28040, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
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Sassi A, You L. Microfluidics-Based Technologies for the Assessment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:575. [PMID: 38607014 PMCID: PMC11011521 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, wherein patients display no response to existing hormone therapies. The standard of care often includes aggressive treatment options using chemotherapy, radiation therapy and various drugs to curb the growth of additional metastases. As such, there is a dire need for the development of innovative technologies for both its diagnosis and its management. Traditionally, scientific exploration of prostate cancer and its treatment options has been heavily reliant on animal models and two-dimensional (2D) in vitro technologies. However, both laboratory tools often fail to recapitulate the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which can lead to discrepancies in drug efficacy and side effects in a clinical setting. In light of the limitations of traditional animal models and 2D in vitro technologies, the emergence of microfluidics as a tool for prostate cancer research shows tremendous promise. Namely, microfluidics-based technologies have emerged as powerful tools for assessing prostate cancer cells, isolating circulating tumor cells, and examining their behaviour using tumor-on-a-chip models. As such, this review aims to highlight recent advancements in microfluidics-based technologies for the assessment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and its potential to advance current understanding and to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Sassi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada;
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada;
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V9, Canada
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11
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Igder S, Zamani M, Fakher S, Siri M, Ashktorab H, Azarpira N, Mokarram P. Circulating Nucleic Acids in Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value. DISEASE MARKERS 2024; 2024:9943412. [PMID: 38380073 PMCID: PMC10878755 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9943412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. DNA (cfDNA/ctDNA) and RNA (cfRNA/ctRNA) in the blood are promising noninvasive biomarkers for molecular profiling, screening, diagnosis, treatment management, and prognosis of CRC. Technological advancements that enable precise detection of both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, even in minute quantities in circulation, can overcome some of these challenges. This review focuses on testing for circulating nucleic acids in the circulation as a noninvasive method for CRC detection, monitoring, detection of minimal residual disease, and patient management. In addition, the benefits and drawbacks of various diagnostic techniques and associated bioinformatics tools have been detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Igder
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Zamani
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shima Fakher
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Morvarid Siri
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division and Cancer Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Wishart G, Templeman A, Hendry F, Miller K, Pailhes-Jimenez AS. Molecular Profiling of Circulating Tumour Cells and Circulating Tumour DNA: Complementary Insights from a Single Blood Sample Utilising the Parsortix ® System. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:773-787. [PMID: 38248352 PMCID: PMC10814787 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of molecular drivers of cancer is an area of rapid growth and has led to the development of targeted treatments, significantly improving patient outcomes in many cancer types. The identification of actionable mutations informing targeted treatment strategies are now considered essential to the management of cancer. Traditionally, this information has been obtained through biomarker assessment of a tissue biopsy which is costly and can be associated with clinical complications and adverse events. In the last decade, blood-based liquid biopsy has emerged as a minimally invasive, fast, and cost-effective alternative, which is better suited to the requirement for longitudinal monitoring. Liquid biopsies allow for the concurrent study of multiple analytes, such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), from a single blood sample. Although ctDNA assays are commercially more advanced, there is an increasing awareness of the clinical significance of the transcriptome and proteome which can be analysed using CTCs. Herein, we review the literature in which the microfluidic, label-free Parsortix® system is utilised for CTC capture, harvest and analysis, alongside the analysis of ctDNA from a single blood sample. This detailed summary of the literature demonstrates how these two analytes can provide complementary disease information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- ANGLE plc, Guildford GU2 7QB, UK; (A.T.); (F.H.); (K.M.); (A.-S.P.-J.)
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Huang L, Xu Y, Wang N, Yi K, Xi X, Si H, Zhang Q, Xiang M, Rong Y, Yuan Y, Wang F. Next-Generation Preclinical Functional Testing Models in Cancer Precision Medicine: CTC-Derived Organoids. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301009. [PMID: 37882328 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Basic and clinical cancer research requires tumor models that consistently recapitulate the characteristics of prima tumors. As ex vivo 3D cultures of patient tumor cells, patient-derived tumor organoids possess the biological properties of primary tumors and are therefore excellent preclinical models for cancer research. Patient-derived organoids can be established using primary tumor tissues, peripheral blood, pleural fluid, ascites, and other samples containing tumor cells. Circulating tumor cells acquired by non-invasive sampling feature dynamic circulation and high heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell-derived organoids are prospective tools for the dynamic monitoring of tumor mutation evolution profiles because they reflect the heterogeneity of the original tumors to a certain extent. This review discusses the advantages and applications of patient-derived organoids. Meanwhile, this work highlights the biological functions of circulating tumor cells, the latest advancement in research of circulating tumor cell-derived organoids, and potential application and challenges of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxiang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kezhen Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaodan Xi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Huaqi Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuan Rong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fubing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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14
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Richerd M, Dumas S, Hajji I, Serra M, Descroix S. Multiomic Droplet-Based Assay for Ultralow Input Samples. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17988-17996. [PMID: 38032406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The extraction and separation of cellular compounds are crucial steps in numerous biological protocols, particularly in multiomics studies, where several cellular modalities are examined simultaneously. While magnetic particle extraction is commonly used, it may not be applicable for ultralow input samples. Microfluidics has made possible the analysis of rare or low-materiality samples such as circulating tumor cells or single cells through miniaturization of numerous protocols. In this study, a microfluidics workflow for separating different cellular modalities from ultralow input samples is presented. This approach is based on magnetic tweezers technology, allowing the extraction and resuspension of magnetic particles between consecutive nanoliter droplets to perform multistep assays on small volumes. The ability to separate and recover mRNA and gDNA in samples containing less than 10 cells is demonstrated, achieving separation efficiency comparable to the one obtained with conventional pipetting but with a significantly lower amount of starting material, typically 1-2 orders of magnitude less.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Richerd
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire PhysicoChimie (CNRS UMR 168), Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Sorbonne Université, PSL Research University, 6 rue Jean, Calvin 75005, Paris, France
| | - Simon Dumas
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire PhysicoChimie (CNRS UMR 168), Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Sorbonne Université, PSL Research University, 6 rue Jean, Calvin 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ismail Hajji
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire PhysicoChimie (CNRS UMR 168), Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Sorbonne Université, PSL Research University, 6 rue Jean, Calvin 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marco Serra
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire PhysicoChimie (CNRS UMR 168), Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Sorbonne Université, PSL Research University, 6 rue Jean, Calvin 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Descroix
- Institut Curie, Laboratoire PhysicoChimie (CNRS UMR 168), Institut Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Sorbonne Université, PSL Research University, 6 rue Jean, Calvin 75005, Paris, France
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15
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Stoecklein NH, Oles J, Franken A, Neubauer H, Terstappen LWMM, Neves RPL. Clinical application of circulating tumor cells. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:237-250. [PMID: 38835741 PMCID: PMC11110132 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis and its clinical significance in patients with epithelial cancers. The review explores the advancements in CTC detection methods, their clinical applications, and the challenges that lie ahead. By examining the important research findings in this field, this review offers the reader a solid foundation to understand the evolving landscape of CTC analysis and its potential implications for clinical practice. The comprehensive analysis of CTCs provides valuable insights into tumor biology, treatment response, minimal residual disease detection, and prognostic evaluation. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential of CTCs as a non-invasive biomarker for personalized medicine and the monitoring of treatment efficacy. Despite the progress made in CTC research, several challenges such as standardization, validation, and integration into routine clinical practice remain. The review concludes by discussing future directions and the potential impact of CTC analysis on improving patient outcomes and guiding therapeutic decision-making in epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas H Stoecklein
- Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital and Medical Faculty Düsseldorf Deutschland
| | - Julia Oles
- Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital and Medical Faculty Düsseldorf Deutschland
| | - Andre Franken
- University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Düsseldorf Deutschland
| | - Hans Neubauer
- University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Düsseldorf Deutschland
| | - Leon W M M Terstappen
- Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital and Medical Faculty Düsseldorf Deutschland
| | - Rui P L Neves
- Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery University Hospital and Medical Faculty Düsseldorf Deutschland
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16
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Diaz PM, Leehans A, Ravishankar P, Daily A. Multiomic Approaches for Cancer Biomarker Discovery in Liquid Biopsies: Advances and Challenges. Biomark Insights 2023; 18:11772719231204508. [PMID: 37846373 PMCID: PMC10576933 DOI: 10.1177/11772719231204508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease that poses a significant threat to global health. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes, and the use of liquid biopsies has emerged as a promising approach for cancer detection and monitoring. Traditionally, cancer diagnosis has relied on invasive tissue biopsies, the collection of which can prove challenging for patients and the results of which may not always provide accurate results due to tumor heterogeneity. Liquid biopsies have gained increasing attention as they provide a non-invasive and accessible source of cancer biomarkers, which can be used to diagnose cancer, monitor treatment response, and detect relapse. The integration of -omics technologies, such as proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics, has further enhanced the capabilities of liquid biopsies by introducing precision oncology and enabling the tailoring of treatment for individual patients based on their unique tumor biology. In this review, we will discuss the challenges and advances in the field of cancer liquid biopsies and the integration of -omics technologies for different types of liquid biopsies, including blood, tear, urine, sweat, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Monterroso Diaz
- Namida Lab Inc., Fayetteville, AR, USA
- University of Arkansas, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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17
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Volmer LL, Önder CE, Volz B, Singh AR, Brucker SY, Engler T, Hartkopf AD, Koch A. Microfluidic Isolation of Disseminated Tumor Cells from the Bone Marrow of Breast Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13930. [PMID: 37762233 PMCID: PMC10531360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow (BM) of breast cancer (BC) patients are putative precursors of metastatic disease, and their presence is associated with an adverse clinical outcome. To achieve the personalization of therapy on a clinical routine level, the characterization of DTCs and in vitro drug testing on DTCs are of great interest. Therefore, biobanking methods, as well as novel approaches to DTC isolation, need to be developed. In this study, we established a protocol for the biobanking of BM samples and evaluated a microfluidic-based separation system (Parsortix®) for the enrichment of cryopreserved DTCs. We were able to successfully isolate viable DTCs after the prior cryopreservation of BM samples. We calculated a significant increase of up to 90-fold in harvested DTCs with the proposed method compared to the current standard techniques, opening up new analysis possibilities for DTCs. Our advanced method further presents options for 3D DTC cultures, enabling the individualized testing of targeted therapies for BC patients. In conclusion, we present a novel approach for DTC enrichment, with possibilities for future clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa L. Volmer
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cansu E. Önder
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Volz
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anjali R. Singh
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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18
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Yaghoubi Naei V, Bordhan P, Mirakhorli F, Khorrami M, Shrestha J, Nazari H, Kulasinghe A, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Advances in novel strategies for isolation, characterization, and analysis of CTCs and ctDNA. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231192401. [PMID: 37692363 PMCID: PMC10486235 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231192401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the detection and analysis of liquid biopsy biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have advanced significantly. They have received recognition for their clinical usefulness in detecting cancer at an early stage, monitoring disease, and evaluating treatment response. The emergence of liquid biopsy has been a helpful development, as it offers a minimally invasive, rapid, real-time monitoring, and possible alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. In resource-limited settings, the ideal platform for liquid biopsy should not only extract more CTCs or ctDNA from a minimal sample volume but also accurately represent the molecular heterogeneity of the patient's disease. This review covers novel strategies and advancements in CTC and ctDNA-based liquid biopsy platforms, including microfluidic applications and comprehensive analysis of molecular complexity. We discuss these systems' operational principles and performance efficiencies, as well as future opportunities and challenges for their implementation in clinical settings. In addition, we emphasize the importance of integrated platforms that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence in accurate liquid biopsy detection systems, which can greatly improve cancer management and enable precision diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pritam Bordhan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Mirakhorli
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Motahare Khorrami
- Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jesus Shrestha
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hojjatollah Nazari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 1, Broadway, Ultimo New South Wales 2007, Australia
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19
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Pillai S, Kwan JC, Yaziji F, Yu H, Tran SD. Mapping the Potential of Microfluidics in Early Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3894. [PMID: 37568710 PMCID: PMC10417175 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) account for ~4% of all cancers in North America and encompass cancers affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. The anatomical complexity of the head and neck region, characterized by highly perfused and innervated structures, presents challenges in the early diagnosis and treatment of these cancers. The utilization of sub-microliter volumes and the unique phenomenon associated with microscale fluid dynamics have facilitated the development of microfluidic platforms for studying complex biological systems. The advent of on-chip microfluidics has significantly impacted the diagnosis and treatment strategies of HNC. Sensor-based microfluidics and point-of-care devices have improved the detection and monitoring of cancer biomarkers using biological specimens like saliva, urine, blood, and serum. Additionally, tumor-on-a-chip platforms have allowed the creation of patient-specific cancer models on a chip, enabling the development of personalized treatments through high-throughput screening of drugs. In this review, we first focus on how microfluidics enable the development of an enhanced, functional drug screening process for targeted treatment in HNCs. We then discuss current advances in microfluidic platforms for biomarker sensing and early detection, followed by on-chip modeling of HNC to evaluate treatment response. Finally, we address the practical challenges that hinder the clinical translation of these microfluidic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Simon D. Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; (S.P.); (J.C.K.); (F.Y.); (H.Y.)
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20
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Wang Q, Šabanović B, Awada A, Reina C, Aicher A, Tang J, Heeschen C. Single-cell omics: a new perspective for early detection of pancreatic cancer? Eur J Cancer 2023; 190:112940. [PMID: 37413845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, mostly due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Early detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations bears the potential to greatly improve outcomes, but current screening approaches remain of limited value despite recent technological advances. This review explores the possible advantages of liquid biopsies for this application, particularly focusing on circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and their subsequent single-cell omics analysis. Originating from both primary and metastatic tumour sites, CTCs provide important information for diagnosis, prognosis and tailoring of treatment strategies. Notably, CTCs have even been detected in the blood of subjects with pancreatic precursor lesions, suggesting their suitability as a non-invasive tool for the early detection of malignant transformation in the pancreas. As intact cells, CTCs offer comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic and proteomic information that can be explored using rapidly developing techniques for analysing individual cells at the molecular level. Studying CTCs during serial sampling and at single-cell resolution will help to dissect tumour heterogeneity for individual patients and among different patients, providing new insights into cancer evolution during disease progression and in response to treatment. Using CTCs for non-invasive tracking of cancer features, including stemness, metastatic potential and expression of immune targets, provides important and readily accessible molecular insights. Finally, the emerging technology of ex vivo culturing of CTCs could create new opportunities to study the functionality of individual cancers at any stage and develop personalised and more effective treatment approaches for this lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Berina Šabanović
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Azhar Awada
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin (UniTO), Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Reina
- Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alexandra Aicher
- Precision Immunotherapy, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiajia Tang
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; South Chongqing Road 227, Shanghai, China.
| | - Christopher Heeschen
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Heterogeneity, Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy; South Chongqing Road 227, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Farahinia A, Zhang W, Badea I. Recent Developments in Inertial and Centrifugal Microfluidic Systems along with the Involved Forces for Cancer Cell Separation: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23115300. [PMID: 37300027 DOI: 10.3390/s23115300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of cancers is a significant challenge in the healthcare context today. Spreading circulating tumor cells (CTCs) throughout the body will eventually lead to cancer metastasis and produce new tumors near the healthy tissues. Therefore, separating these invading cells and extracting cues from them is extremely important for determining the rate of cancer progression inside the body and for the development of individualized treatments, especially at the beginning of the metastasis process. The continuous and fast separation of CTCs has recently been achieved using numerous separation techniques, some of which involve multiple high-level operational protocols. Although a simple blood test can detect the presence of CTCs in the blood circulation system, the detection is still restricted due to the scarcity and heterogeneity of CTCs. The development of more reliable and effective techniques is thus highly desired. The technology of microfluidic devices is promising among many other bio-chemical and bio-physical technologies. This paper reviews recent developments in the two types of microfluidic devices, which are based on the size and/or density of cells, for separating cancer cells. The goal of this review is to identify knowledge or technology gaps and to suggest future works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Farahinia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Ildiko Badea
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
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22
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Li WM, Ren XD, Jiang YZ, Su N, Li BW, Sun XG, Li RX, Lu WP, Deng SL, Li J, Li MX, Huang Q. Rapid detection of EGFR mutation in CTCs based on a double spiral microfluidic chip and the real-time RPA method. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04743-2. [PMID: 37254002 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells shed from primary or metastatic tumors and spread into the peripheral bloodstream. Mutation detection in CTCs can reveal vital genetic information about the tumors and can be used for "liquid biopsy" to indicate cancer treatment and targeted medication. However, current methods to measure the mutations in CTCs are based on PCR or DNA sequencing which are cumbersome and time-consuming and require sophisticated equipment. These largely limited their applications especially in areas with poor healthcare infrastructure. Here we report a simple, convenient, and rapid method for mutation detection in CTCs, including an example of a deletion at exon 19 (Del19) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). CTCs in the peripheral blood of NSCLC patients were first sorted by a double spiral microfluidic chip with high sorting efficiency and purity. The sorted cells were then lysed by proteinase K, and the E19del mutation was detected via real-time recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Combining the advantages of microfluidic sorting and real-time RPA, an accurate mutation determination was realized within 2 h without professional operation or complex data interpretation. The method detected as few as 3 cells and 1% target variants under a strongly interfering background, thus, indicating its great potential in the non-invasive diagnosis of E19del mutation for NSCLC patients. The method can be further extended by redesigning the primers and probes to detect other deletion mutations, insertion mutations, and fusion genes. It is expected to be a universal molecular diagnostic tool for real-time assessment of relevant mutations and precise adjustments in the care of oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Man Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Jiang
- Department of Cancer Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xian-Ge Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruo-Xu Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Ping Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shao-Li Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meng-Xia Li
- Department of Cancer Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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23
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Gong L, Cretella A, Lin Y. Microfluidic systems for particle capture and release: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 236:115426. [PMID: 37276636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in various applications, including biosensing, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. One of the notable features of microfluidic devices is their ability to selectively capture and release specific cells, biomolecules, bacteria, and particles. Compared to traditional bulk analysis instruments, microfluidic capture-and-release platforms offer several advantages, such as contactless operation, label-free detection, high accuracy, good sensitivity, and minimal reagent requirements. However, despite significant efforts dedicated to developing innovative capture mechanisms in the past, the release and recovery efficiency of trapped particles have often been overlooked. Many previous studies have focused primarily on particle capture techniques and their efficiency, disregarding the crucial role of successful particle release for subsequent analysis. In reality, the ability to effectively release trapped particles is particularly essential to ensure ongoing, high-throughput analysis. To address this gap, this review aims to highlight the importance of both capture and release mechanisms in microfluidic systems and assess their effectiveness. The methods are classified into two categories: those based on physical principles and those using biochemical approaches. Furthermore, the review offers a comprehensive summary of recent applications of microfluidic platforms specifically designed for particle capture and release. It outlines the designs and performance of these devices, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various target applications and purposes. Finally, the review concludes with discussions on the current challenges faced in the field and presents potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Gong
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Andrew Cretella
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
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Smejkal J, Aubrecht P, Semerádtová A, Štofik M, Liegertová M, Malý J. Immunocapturing rare cells from blood: A simple and robust microsystem approach. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 227:115155. [PMID: 36821992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell immunocapture microsystems are a fast-emerging field with several potential medical diagnostic applications. Isolation and quantification of circulating rare cells (CRCs) show great importance in the early stages of disease diagnostics and prognostics. Here, we present a simple and robust stop-flow microsystem (fabricated by a combination of glass microblasting and 3D printing) based on a planar antibody-coated surface that is effective in the immunocapture of the model as well as naturally occurring rare cells. A chip with a planar immunocapture channel working in the so-called stop-flow dynamic regime was designed to enable monitoring the efficiency of the cell capture by fluorescence microscopy. Up to 90% immunocapture efficiency of MCF-7 cells spiked into whole blood on CD326 antibody-coated planar surfaces was achieved. We discuss the role of the planar surface modifications, the influence of the set stop-flow dynamic conditions, and medium complexity on the efficiency of cell immunocapture. The presented results could be further employed in the design of microsystems for cell-size-independent isolation and identification of rare cells from blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Smejkal
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Aubrecht
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Semerádtová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Marcel Štofik
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Liegertová
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Malý
- Centre for Nanomaterials and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 400 96, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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Phenotypic Plasticity in Circulating Tumor Cells Is Associated with Poor Response to Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051616. [PMID: 36900406 PMCID: PMC10000974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are indicators of metastatic spread and progression. In a longitudinal, single-center trial of patients with metastatic breast cancer starting a new line of treatment, a microcavity array was used to enrich CTCs from 184 patients at up to 9 timepoints at 3-month intervals. CTCs were analyzed in parallel samples from the same blood draw by imaging and by gene expression profiling to capture CTC phenotypic plasticity. Enumeration of CTCs by image analysis relying primarily on epithelial markers from samples obtained before therapy or at 3-month follow-up identified the patients at the highest risk of progression. CTC counts decreased with therapy, and progressors had higher CTC counts than non-progressors. CTC count was prognostic primarily at the start of therapy in univariate and multivariate analyses but had less prognostic utility at 6 months to 1 year later. In contrast, gene expression, including both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, identified high-risk patients after 6-9 months of treatment, and progressors had a shift towards mesenchymal CTC gene expression on therapy. Cross-sectional analysis showed higher CTC-related gene expression in progressors 6-15 months after baseline. Furthermore, patients with higher CTC counts and CTC gene expression experienced more progression events. Longitudinal time-dependent multivariate analysis indicated that CTC count, triple-negative status, and CTC expression of FGFR1 significantly correlated with inferior progression-free survival while CTC count and triple-negative status correlated with inferior overall survival. This highlights the utility of protein-agnostic CTC enrichment and multimodality analysis to capture the heterogeneity of CTCs.
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Kemper M, Krekeler C, Menck K, Lenz G, Evers G, Schulze AB, Bleckmann A. Liquid Biopsies in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1430. [PMID: 36900221 PMCID: PMC10000706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As lung cancer has the highest cancer-specific mortality rates worldwide, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to detect early-stage tumors and to monitor their response to the therapy. In addition to the well-established tissue biopsy analysis, liquid-biopsy-based assays may evolve as an important diagnostic tool. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the most established method, followed by other methods such as the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Both PCR- and NGS-based assays are used for the mutational assessment of lung cancer, including the most frequent driver mutations. However, ctDNA analysis might also play a role in monitoring the efficacy of immunotherapy and its recent accomplishments in the landscape of state-of-the-art lung cancer therapy. Despite the promising aspects of liquid-biopsy-based assays, there are some limitations regarding their sensitivity (risk of false-negative results) and specificity (interpretation of false-positive results). Hence, further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of liquid biopsies for lung cancer. Liquid-biopsy-based assays might be integrated into the diagnostic guidelines for lung cancer as a tool to complement conventional tissue sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Kemper
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Carolin Krekeler
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Menck
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Evers
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Arik Bernard Schulze
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Law KS, Huang CE, Chen SW. Detection of Circulating Tumor Cell-Related Markers in Gynecologic Cancer Using Microfluidic Devices: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032300. [PMID: 36768623 PMCID: PMC9916469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an emerging strategy for the early detection, prognostication, and identification of recurrent cancer. The clinical utility of CTC detection has been established, but few studies have employed this strategy for the detection of gynecologic cancers. Here, we present a novel, biochip-based microfluidic device for the detection of CTCs in gynecologic cancers. The study cohort included three patients with cervical cancer, eight with endometrial cancer, two with ovarian cancer, two with breast cancer, and one with vaginal small cell carcinoma. Four cancer type-specific molecular markers (PanCK, GATA3, HER2, and HE4), as well as CD13, were used for prognostication and recurrence detection, along with downstream genomic analysis. GATA3 and HER2 were markedly expressed in the patients with cervical cancer, and this expression was strongly correlated with the early detection of recurrent disease. All four molecular markers were expressed preoperatively in the patients with endometrial cancer, and the re-expression of different markers was observed at follow-up before recurrence was confirmed. CD13 was identified as an alternative prognostic marker for both cervical and endometrial cancer. Our pilot study indicated that the novel CTC detection system can be used for prognostication and early detection of disease recurrence, which needed further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Seng Law
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung City 40277, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Tung’s Taichung Metroharbor Hospital, 699 Taiwan Boulevard, Section 8, Wuchi, Taichung City 43522, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-916120758
| | - Chung-Er Huang
- CytoAurora Biotechologies Inc., Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30261, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wen Chen
- CytoAurora Biotechologies Inc., Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu 30261, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621301, Taiwan
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Matsuura K, Takata K. Blood Cell Separation Using Polypropylene-Based Microfluidic Devices Based on Deterministic Lateral Displacement. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14020238. [PMID: 36837938 PMCID: PMC9960998 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian blood cell separation methods contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of animal and human diseases. Microfluidic deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) devices can sort cells based on their particle diameter. We developed microfluidic DLD devices with poly(propylene)-based resin and used them to separate bovine and human red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) without electric devices. To determine the critical cut-off diameter (Dc) of these devices, we used immunobeads with a diameter of 1-20 μm. The Dc values of the microfluidic DLD devices for the immunobeads in the experiments were similar to the calculated Dc values (8-10 μm). Results from bovine blood cell separation experiments suggest that lymphocytes and neutrophils can be separated from diluted, whole blood. Human RBCs were occasionally observed in the left outlet where larger particles with diameters closer to the Dc value were collected. Based on the Dc values, human neutrophils were sorted to the left outlet, whereas lymphocytes were observed in both outlets. Although microfluidic channel optimization is required for the concentration of sorted cells, the microfluidic DLD device prepared with a poly(propylene)-based resin has the potential for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Matsuura
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Life Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
| | - Koji Takata
- Life Materials Development Section, Human Life Technology Research Institute, Toyama Industrial Technology Research and Development Center, Nanto 939-1503, Japan
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Templeman A, Miller MC, Cooke MJ, O'Shannessy DJ, Gurung Y, Pereira T, Peters SG, Piano MD, Teo M, Khazan N, Kim K, Cohen E, Lopez HB, Alvarez F, Ciccioli M, Pailhes-Jimenez AS. Analytical performance of the FDA-cleared Parsortix ® PC1 system. J Circ Biomark 2023; 12:26-33. [PMID: 37601320 PMCID: PMC10434983 DOI: 10.33393/jcb.2023.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Parsortix® PC1 system, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for use in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, is an epitope-independent microfluidic device for the capture and harvest of circulating tumor cells from whole blood based on cell size and deformability. This report details the analytical characterization of linearity, detection limit, precision, and reproducibility for this device. Methods System performance was determined using K2-EDTA blood samples collected from self-declared healthy female volunteers (HVs) and MBC patients spiked with prelabeled cultured breast cancer cell lines (SKBR3, MCF7, or Hs578T). Samples were processed on Parsortix® PC1 systems and captured cells were harvested and enumerated. Results The system captured and harvested live SKBR3, MCF7, and Hs578T cells and fixed SKBR3 cells linearly between 2 and ~100 cells, with average harvest rates of 69%, 73%, 79%, and 90%, respectively. To harvest ≥1 cell ≥95% of the time, the system required 3, 5 or 4 live SKBR3, MCF7 or Hs578T cells, respectively. Average harvest rates from precision studies using 5, 10, and ~50 live cells spiked into blood for each cell line ranged from 63.5% to 76.2%, with repeatability and reproducibility percent coefficient of variation (%CV) estimates ranging from 12.3% to 32.4% and 13.3% to 34.1%, respectively. Average harvest rates using ~20 fixed SKBR3 cells spiked into HV and MBC patient blood samples were 75.0% ± 16.1% (%CV = 22.3%) and 68.4% ± 14.3% (%CV = 21.1%), respectively. Conclusions These evaluations demonstrate the Parsortix® PC1 system linearly and reproducibly harvests tumor cells from blood over a range of 1 to ~100 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel J O'Shannessy
- ANGLE North America, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA - USA
- TMDx Consulting LLC, Schwenksville, PA - USA
| | | | - Tiago Pereira
- ANGLE Europe Limited, Guildford - UK
- Whitings LLP, Ramsey - UK
| | - Samuel G Peters
- ANGLE Europe Limited, Guildford - UK
- Petmedix, Cambridge - UK
| | | | - Manilyn Teo
- ANGLE Europe Limited, Guildford - UK
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Bracknell - UK
| | - Negar Khazan
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY - USA
| | - Kyukwang Kim
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY - USA
| | - Evan Cohen
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX - USA
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30
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Comparative application of microfluidic systems in circulating tumor cells and extracellular vesicles isolation; a review. Biomed Microdevices 2022; 25:4. [PMID: 36574057 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-022-00644-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a prevalent cause of mortality globally, where early diagnosis leads to a reduced death rate. Many researchers' common strategies are based on personalized diagnostic methods with rapid response and high accuracy. This technology was developed by applying liquid biopsy instead of tissue biopsies in the case of tumor cell analysis that facilitates point-of-care testing for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, significant progress in microfluidic technology led to the successful isolation, analysis, and monitoring of cancer biomarkers in body liquid biopsy with merits like high sensitivity and flexibility, low sample usage, cost effective, and the ability of automation. The most critical and informative markers in body liquid refer to circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles derived from tumors (EVs) that carry various biomarkers in their structure (DNAs, proteins, and RNAs) as compared to ctDNA. The released ctDNA has a low half-life and decreased sensitivity due to large amounts of nucleic acid in serum. This review intends to highlight different cancer screening tests with a particular focus on the details regarding the only FDA-approved and awaiting technologies for FDA clearance to isolate CTCs and EVs based on microfluidics systems.
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31
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Iakovlev AP, Erofeev AS, Gorelkin PV. Novel Pumping Methods for Microfluidic Devices: A Comprehensive Review. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:956. [PMID: 36354465 PMCID: PMC9688261 DOI: 10.3390/bios12110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This review is an account of methods that use various strategies to control microfluidic flow control with high accuracy. The reviewed systems are divided into two large groups based on the way they create flow: passive systems (non-mechanical systems) and active (mechanical) systems. Each group is presented by a number of device fabrications. We try to explain the main principles of operation, and we list advantages and disadvantages of the presented systems. Mechanical systems are considered in more detail, as they are currently an area of increased interest due to their unique precision flow control and "multitasking". These systems are often applied as mini-laboratories, working autonomously without any additional operations, provided by humans, which is very important under complicated conditions. We also reviewed the integration of autonomous microfluidic systems with a smartphone or single-board computer when all data are retrieved and processed without using a personal computer. In addition, we discuss future trends and possible solutions for further development of this area of technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petr V. Gorelkin
- Research Laboratory of Biophysics, National University of Science and Technology «MISiS», 119049 Moscow, Russia
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Descamps L, Garcia J, Barthelemy D, Laurenceau E, Payen L, Le Roy D, Deman AL. MagPure chip: an immunomagnetic-based microfluidic device for high purification of circulating tumor cells from liquid biopsies. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4151-4166. [PMID: 36148526 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00443g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) directly from blood, as a liquid biopsy, could lead to a paradigm shift in cancer clinical care by providing an earlier diagnosis, a more accurate prognosis, and personalized treatment. Nevertheless, CTC-specific challenges, including their rarity and heterogeneity, have hampered the wider use of CTCs in clinical studies. Microfluidic-based isolation technologies have emerged as promising tools to circumvent these limitations but still fail to meet the constraints of high purity and short processing time required to ensure compatibility with clinical follow-up. In this study, we developed an immunomagnetic-based microfluidic device, the MagPure chip, to achieve the negative selection of CTCs through the depletion of white blood cells (WBCs) and provide highly purified samples for subsequent analysis. We demonstrate that the MagPure chip depletes all magnetically labeled WBCs (85% of WBCs were successfully labeled) and ensures a CTC recovery rate of 81%. In addition, we show its compatibility with conventional biological studies, including 2D and 3D cell culture, as well as phenotypic and genotypic analyses. Finally, we successfully implemented a two-step separation workflow for whole blood processing by combining a size-based pre-enrichment system (ClearCell FX1®) with the MagPure chip as a subsequent purification step. The total workflow led to high throughput (7.5 mL blood in less than 4 h) and high purity (947 WBCs per mL remaining, 99.99% depletion rate), thus enabling us to quantify CTC heterogeneity in size and tumor marker expression level. This tumor-marker-free liquid biopsy workflow could be used in a clinical context to assess phenotype aggressiveness and the prognosis rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Descamps
- Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon, INL UMR5270, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Jessica Garcia
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CICLY UR3738, Groupe Hospitalier Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - David Barthelemy
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CICLY UR3738, Groupe Hospitalier Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Emmanuelle Laurenceau
- Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon, INL UMR5270, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Ecully, France
| | - Léa Payen
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, CICLY UR3738, Groupe Hospitalier Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Damien Le Roy
- Institut Lumière Matière, ILM UMR5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anne-Laure Deman
- Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon, INL UMR5270, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.
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Wang C, Zhang D, Yang H, Shi L, Li L, Yu C, Wei J, Ding Q. A light-activated magnetic bead strategy utilized in spatio-temporal controllable exosomes isolation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1006374. [PMID: 36147530 PMCID: PMC9486319 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes are considered as a key biomarker in the field of liquid biopsy. However, conventional separation techniques such as ultracentrifugation, co-precipitation and column chromatography cannot isolate samples with high throughput, while traditional immunomagnetic separation techniques, due to steric effect of magnetic beads, reducing sensitivity of exosomes optical detection. Herein, we provide a novel and simple nanoplatform for spatiotemporally controlling extraction and elution of exosomes via magnetic separation and light-activated cargo release. In this system, magnetic beads are co-modified by photoresponsive groups -nitrobenzyl group and aptamers that are compatible with CD63-a highly expressed exosomal surface-specific protein. Through exosomes extracted from cell model and nude mice xenograft tumor model morphological characterization and proteomic analysis, results showed that our novel magnetic bead system outperformed current ultracentrifugation in serum exosome extraction in terms of extraction time, yield, and proportion of populations with high CD63 expression. This strategy may be a powerful tool for exosome isolation in clinical liquid biopsies of cancer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhan Wang
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Duoteng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), Nanjing, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), Nanjing, China
| | - Changmin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ding, ; Changmin Yu, ; Jifu Wei,
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ding, ; Changmin Yu, ; Jifu Wei,
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Ding, ; Changmin Yu, ; Jifu Wei,
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Szymborski TR, Czaplicka M, Nowicka AB, Trzcińska-Danielewicz J, Girstun A, Kamińska A. Dielectrophoresis-Based SERS Sensors for the Detection of Cancer Cells in Microfluidic Chips. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:681. [PMID: 36140065 PMCID: PMC9496591 DOI: 10.3390/bios12090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The detection of freely circulating cancer cells (CTCs) is one of the greatest challenges of modern medical diagnostics. For several years, there has been increased attention on the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the detection of CTCs. SERS is a non-destructive, accurate and precise technique, and the use of special SERS platforms even enables the amplification of weak signals from biological objects. In the current study, we demonstrate the unique arrangement of the SERS technique combined with the deposition of CTCs cells on the surface of the SERS platform via a dielectrophoretic effect. The appropriate frequencies of an alternating electric field and a selected shape of the electric field can result in the efficient deposition of CTCs on the SERS platform. The geometry of the microfluidic chip, the type of the cancer cells and the positive dielectrophoretic phenomenon resulted in the trapping of CTCs on the surface of the SERS platform. We presented results for two type of breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, deposited from the 0.1 PBS solution. The limit of detection (LOD) is 20 cells/mL, which reflects the clinical potential and usefulness of the developed approach. We also provide a proof-of-concept for these CTCs deposited on the SERS platform from blood plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz R. Szymborski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Czaplicka
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ariadna B. Nowicka
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Materials Engineering and Technical Physics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Trzcińska-Danielewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Girstun
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kamińska
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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35
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Liu Z, Kong Y, Dang Q, Weng S, Zheng Y, Ren Y, Lv J, Li N, Han Y, Han X. Liquid Biopsy in Pre-Metastatic Niche: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Application. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958360. [PMID: 35911705 PMCID: PMC9334814 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination represents a hallmark of cancer that is responsible for the high mortality rate. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrates a time-series event—pre-metastatic niche (PMN) has a profound impact on cancer metastasis. Exosomes, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTC), and tumor microenvironment components, as critical components in PMN establishment, could be monitored by liquid biopsy. Intensive studies based on the molecular profile of liquid biopsy have made it a viable alternative to tissue biopsy. Meanwhile, the complex molecular mechanism and intercellular interaction are great challenges for applying liquid biopsy in clinical practice. This article reviews the cellular and molecular components involved in the establishment of the PMN and the promotion of metastasis, as well as the mechanisms of their interactions. Better knowledge of the characteristics of the PMN may facilitate the application of liquid biopsy for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Youyang Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinxiang Lv
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yilin Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinwei Han,
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36
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Patra I, Kadhim MM, Mahmood Saleh M, Yasin G, Abdulhussain Fadhil A, Sabah Jabr H, Hameed NM. Aptasensor Based on Microfluidic for Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria and Virus Detection: A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2022; 54:872-881. [PMID: 35831973 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2022.2099222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In today's world, which is entangled with numerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses, it appears to be essential to rethink detection methods of these due to the importance of food safety in our lives. The vast majority of detection methods for foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses have suffered from sensitivity and selectivity due to the small size of these pathogens. Besides, these types of sensing approaches can improve on-site detection platforms in the fields of food safety. In recent, microfluidics systems as new emerging types of portable sensing approaches can introduce efficient and simple biodevice by integration with several analytical methods such as electrochemical, optical and colorimetric techniques. Additionally, taking advantage of aptamer as a selective bioreceptor in the sensing of microfluidics system has provided selective, sensitive, portable and affordable sensing approaches. Furthermore, some papers use increased data transferability ability and computational power of these sensing platforms by exploiting smartphones. In this review, we attempted to provide an overview of the current state of the recent aptasensor based on microfluidic for screening of foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Working strategies, benefits and disadvantages of these sensing approaches are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Patra
- An Independent Researcher, Ex Research Scholar at National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Mustafa M Kadhim
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Marwan Mahmood Saleh
- Department of Biophysics, College of Applied Sciences, University Of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq
| | - Ghulam Yasin
- Department of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Ali Abdulhussain Fadhil
- College of Medical Technology, Medical Lab Techniques, Al-farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Huda Sabah Jabr
- Anesthesia Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Noora M Hameed
- Anesthesia techniques, Al-Nisour University College, Babylon, Iraq
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37
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Ring A, Spataro M, Wicki A, Aceto N. Clinical and Biological Aspects of Disseminated Tumor Cells and Dormancy in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929893. [PMID: 35837334 PMCID: PMC9274007 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in detection and treatment have drastically improved survival for early breast cancer patients. However, distant recurrence causes high mortality and is typically considered incurable. Cancer dissemination occurs via circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and up to 75% of breast cancer patients could harbor micrometastatses at time of diagnosis, while metastatic recurrence often occurs years to decades after treatment. During clinical latency, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can enter a state of cell cycle arrest or dormancy at distant sites, and are likely shielded from immune detection and treatment. While this is a challenge, it can also be seen as an outstanding opportunity to target dormant DTCs on time, before their transformation into lethal macrometastatic lesions. Here, we review and discuss progress made in our understanding of DTC and dormancy biology in breast cancer. Strides in our mechanistic insights of these features has led to the identification of possible targeting strategies, yet, their integration into clinical trial design is still uncertain. Incorporating minimally invasive liquid biopsies and rationally designed adjuvant therapies, targeting both proliferating and dormant tumor cells, may help to address current challenges and improve precision cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ring
- Department of Biology, Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Spataro
- Department of Biology, Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wicki
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Nicola Aceto,
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38
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Chien HW, Wu JC, Chang YC, Tsai WB. Polycarboxybetaine-Based Hydrogels for the Capture and Release of Circulating Tumor Cells. Gels 2022; 8:gels8070391. [PMID: 35877476 PMCID: PMC9317810 DOI: 10.3390/gels8070391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are indicators for the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of cancers and offer biological information for the development of personalized medicine. Techniques for the specific capture and non-destructive release of CTCs from millions of blood cells remain highly desirable. Here, we present a CTC capture-and-release system using a disulfide-containing poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCB) hydrogel. The non-fouling characteristic of pCB prevents unwanted, nonspecific cell binding, while the carboxyl functionality of pCB is used for the conjugation of anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM) antibodies for the capture of CTCs. The results demonstrated that the anti-EpCAM-conjugated pCB hydrogel captured HCT116 cells from blood, and the capture ratio reached 45%. Furthermore, the captured HCT116 cells were released within 30 min from the dissolution of the pCB hydrogel by adding cysteine, which breaks the disulfide bonds of the crosslinkers. The cells released were viable and able to grow. Our system has potential in the development of a device for CTC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Wen Chien
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Chia Wu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan;
| | - Ying-Chih Chang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: or (Y.-C.C.); (W.-B.T.); Tel./Fax: +886-2-27871277 (Y.-C.C.); +886-2-33663996 (W.-B.T.)
| | - Wei-Bor Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or (Y.-C.C.); (W.-B.T.); Tel./Fax: +886-2-27871277 (Y.-C.C.); +886-2-33663996 (W.-B.T.)
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