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A conduit to metastasis: circulating tumor cell biology.

ABSTRACT: Advances in the enrichment and analysis of rare cells from the bloodstream have allowed for detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with cancer. The analysis of CTCs has provided significant insight into the metastatic process. Studies on the biology of CTCs have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CTC generation, intravasation, survival, interactions with components of the blood, extravasation, and colonization of distant organs. Additionally, the study of CTCs has exposed dramatic intrapatient and interpatient heterogeneity and their evolution over time. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of CTC biology and the potential clinical implications.

SUBMITTER: Micalizzi DS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5695084 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A conduit to metastasis: circulating tumor cell biology.

Micalizzi Douglas S DS Maheswaran Shyamala S Haber Daniel A DA

Genes & development 20170901 18

Advances in the enrichment and analysis of rare cells from the bloodstream have allowed for detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with cancer. The analysis of CTCs has provided significant insight into the metastatic process. Studies on the biology of CTCs have begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CTC generation, intravasation, survival, interactions with components of the blood, extravasation, and colonization of distant organs. Additionally, t ...[more]

PMID: 29051388

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