Method of Circulating Cancer Tumor Cells
Liquid biopsy is one of the most relevant diagnostic innovations of the last decade, and within this concept, there is the quantification and characterization of circulating tumor cells. The finding of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream of patients with colon adenocarcinoma is the confirmation that the metastasization process has taken place and, therefore, there is a high probability that nests of tumor cells will occur at a distance from the primary tumor, regardless of whether they are detectable or not by the clinical diagnostic procedures used in healthcare practice (computed axial tomography, ultrasound, positron emission tomography, scans, etc.).
Detecting the Disease
- There are multiple methods of detection of these CTCs, which we can classify into: Immunomagnetic
- Immunohistochemical, based on RT-PCR, flow cytometry
- Filtration by micropores
- Microfluidics, based on electrical polarity
Each of them has advantages and disadvantages in terms of sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility.
The Limitations
The main limitations of these methods are the detection of ribonucleic-free acid from apoptotic or necrotic cells, detection of false CTCs by shared antigens, absence of detection due to loss of cytokeratin’s or antigens, the formation of cellular aggregates and the detection of cells without tissue implantation and proliferation capacity. .
The Determination
Theoretically, CTC determination in colorectal cancer can have multiple applications:
- Detection of minimal residual disease in localized stages.
- Prognostic value in localized disease and the therapeutic implications derived from it.
- Prognostic value in metastatic disease.
- Predictive value of therapeutic response to chemotherapy and biological drugs.
- Molecular characterization by liquid biopsy of distant metastases and determination of resistance factors.
Speak to an Oncologist
If you have been diagnosed with any type of cancer, it is best to speak with an oncologist Orange County–based, especially if you live in that local area. The oncologist is trained to use various kinds of techniques and technology to treat cancer.
Read More: How To Pop Someone’s Back
