Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells

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

The past decade has seen remarkable progress in elucidating the clinical relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Evidence from numerous clinical studies has unequivocally demonstrated the importance of CTCs as harbingers of poor outcome. Despite these advances, the molecular nature of CTCs remains elusive. This is in part due to the difficulty in isolating pure CTCs away from blood cells.

Recent advancements in rare-cell technology have provided solutions to the once daunting task of isolating extremely rare CTCs in the blood of cancer patients. This book presents different novel approaches for detection and purification of CTCs. In addition, the readers are introduced to new technologies for molecular profiling of CTCs, including techniques to overcome limitations posed by the paucity of cells and the biomolecules available for downstream molecular analysis.

This book is particularly relevant to scientists and academicians who are interested in the field of CTC research. It provides an overview of the recent technological advances in CTC isolation and profiling. This work also includes discussions on pertinent issues regarding the biology of CTCs, and their potential utility as liquid biopsy for personalized medicine. We hope that this book stimulate further research and help advance our understanding of the molecular biology of CTCs.